Compassion satisfaction and fatigue in oncology nursing: a scoping review

Abstract Objective To map the occurrences and consequences of compassion satisfaction and fatigue among oncology nursing professionals. Methods This scoping review was carried out on six databases in the period June-November 2024. It followed the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the checklist of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. The results were summarized in a chart and analyzed descriptively. Results The final sample consisted of 12 articles. The articles were predominantly published in Brazil and the United States of America, with the greatest number in the years 2016, 2020, and 2022. The main data collection instrument used in the research was the Professional Quality of Life, followed by the Professional Satisfaction Index and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. In general, professionals reported high compassion satisfaction and job satisfaction. Investigations into satisfaction and fatigue have shown that the higher the level of education and professional achievement, the higher the compassion satisfaction. They also showed that fatigue, dissatisfaction, and burnout are phenomena that should be evaluated as they are common. Conclusion Compassion satisfaction and fatigue are present in the journey of oncology professionals. From the perspective of compassion fatigue, harm to nurses’ mental health can affect their personal and professional quality of life.