Susan G. Klappa, Rita Howayek, Katherine Reed, Bridget Scherbarth, and Scott P. Klappa
New graduate PTs are ready to assume their professional responsibilities and enter the field with great satisfaction. However, many are not prepared for the challenges of everyday practice leading to a state of compassion fatigue (CF). The purpose of this study was to investigate CF in new graduate physical therapists (PTs) and predict risk factors for CF among new PTs. Mixed methods used included a survey and phenomenological interviews. Participants (n=151) completed the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL-R-IV) survey and 12 participants engaged in phenomenological interviews. The ProQOL-R-IV was used to assess the level of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress experienced by new graduates. Struggles identified by the participants upon entering the profession included: a) personal challenges, b) professional work environment, c) coping strategies, and d) ideas for educators and new graduates. Factor analysis revealed secondary trauma and burnout were two contributing components of CF. A prediction model for CF was developed. By understanding the experience of entering the field of physical therapy, we can better anticipate the support needed for new graduates to overcome struggles. Both educational programs and human resource departments may play a role in mitigating CF among new graduate PTs.
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