Last update:
18-Nov-2020

Health professionals working in the community are the common link between refugees and migrants and the health services. The changes in the expression of the phenomenon of migration in Greece has resulted in the limits of reception and hospitality being exceeded, resulting in compassion fatigue in the health professionals whose employment obliges them to be exposed to traumatic events, on a daily basis. The compassion satisfaction of health professionals is related both to their ability to be effective, and to their own good physical and mental health. Conversely, compassion fatigue is associated with the occurrence of physical illnesses due to stress. There is evidence that those who care for people who have been exposed to traumatic stressors are at risk of developing negative symptoms associated with fatigue, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD). Compassion fatigue in those working with refugees and migrants is a very distinct situation to which health professionals appear to be vulnerable. Compassion satisfaction, along with the implementation of self-care practices, is considered to be a key factor in reducing compassion fatigue.

Key words: Compassion fatigue, Compassion satisfaction, Health professionals, Refugees.