Sue McWilliams
Clinical Professor, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff
Title: Addressing Compassion Fatigue of a Family Caregiver of Adolescents in a Mental Health Setting: A Practice Change Project
Biography
Biography: Sue McWilliams
Abstract
The project introduced the concept of CF and the development of a program for family caregivers of AMHD. The program utilized a validated screening tool and educational intervention and materials for family caregivers of adolescents receiving care at a residential treatment center (RTC) for adolescent girls with mental health disorders. A pre/post-Continuing Professional Development Reaction Questionnaire (CPD Reaction Questionnaire) was used to measure the intention of staff to change practice. Family caregivers attended a one-hour group session led by a staff therapist and completed a Family Quality of Life (FQL) survey a modified Professional Quality of Life Survey. Interventions include knowledge, coping strategies, peer support programs, self-help, guided self-help.
Results: Comparing the pre-post scores of the CPD reaction questionnaire the most significant for the construct of intention and beliefs about capabilities. FQL survey included twenty-one respondents, 18 reporting a moderate level of burnout, and 17 reporting a moderate level of secondary traumatic stress, which are indicators of CF. Follow up survey, 60.5 % who received the information on CF reported considering implementation or implemented an intervention. 50% reported sharing information with someone they trusted, 37 % reported making sleep a priority, eating a healthy diet, and learn to relax and meditate.
The CPD reaction questionnaires indicate the staffs' intention to change practice. The results of the FQL survey suggest that family caregivers are at risk for CF. The families who participated and received information on CF gained a new understanding and considered or had implemented one or more interventions.