Compassion fatigue: how much can I give?

An increasing number of publications examine the disturbing effects on clinicians of witnessing or learning of trauma experienced by their patients. This vicarious traumatisation is described in various terms, including secondary victimisation, secondary survival, emotional contagion, counter-transference, burnout and compassion fatigue. It is generally accepted that, while they have significant similarities, there are also differences between these phenomena. Central to these processes is the use of empathy by clinicians. What is the role of empathy in the doctor)patient relationship?