A Review of Compassion Fatigue of Nurses During and After the Canterbury Earthquakes

The significance of compassion fatigue in health professionals was highlighted during and after the Canterbury earthquakes, in New Zealand. A lack of consistent definition of and comprehension about compassion fatigue, particularly in relation to understanding disaster response processes, may impact upon nurses both emotionally and physically when caring for traumatised survivors. In light of this, the current article focuses on an exploration of national and international literature. Findings from this review include definitions and theories of compassion fatigue, exposure, impacts, and interventions. The international literature has demonstrated the significance of compassion fatigue for nurses as well as other health professionals; however, very little New Zealand literature specifically refers to compassion fatigue. Researchers in New Zealand tend to view the symptoms associated with compassion fatigue and burnout as a combined condition rather than two distinct syndromes, which could impact upon clinical awareness in New Zealand. Limitations of international and New Zealand literature are discussed and gaps within the research are identified, along with recommendations for future research in this area, especially from a New Zealand perspective.