Mary Vachon

Mary Vachon


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

23Years (2004-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 August 2008 in Seminars in Oncology Nursing
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MVMary Vachon
Mary Vachon

1 March 2006 in AJN, American Journal of Nursing
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MVMary Vachon
Mary Vachon

27 February 2022 in Current Oncology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MEMary Jane Esplen
Mary Jane Esplen
JWJiahui Wong
Jiahui Wong
MVMary Vachon
Mary Vachon
YLYvonne W Leung
Yvonne W Leung
Health professionals working in oncology face the challenge of a stressful work environment along with impacts of providing care to those suffering from a life-threatening illness and encountering high levels of patient loss. Longitudinal exposure to loss and suffering can lead to grief, which over time can lead to the development of compassion fatigue (CF). Prevalence rates of CF are significant, yet health professionals have little knowledge on the topic. A six-week continuing education program aimed to provide information on CF and support in managing grief and loss and consisted of virtual sessions, case-based learning, and an online community of practice. Content included personal, health system, and team-related risk factors; protective variables associated with CF; grief models; and strategies to help manage grief and loss and to mitigate against CF. Participants also developed personal plans. Pre- and post-course evaluations assessed confidence, knowledge, and overall satisfaction. A total of 189 health professionals completed the program (90% nurses). Reported patient loss was high (58.8% > 10 deaths annually; 12.2% > 50). Improvements in confidence and knowledge across several domains (p < 0.05) related to managing grief and loss were observed, including use of grief assessment tools, risk factors for CF, and strategies to mitigate against CF. Satisfaction level post-program was high. An educational program aiming to improve knowledge of CF and management of grief and loss demonstrated benefit.

1 March 2006 in Cancer Nursing
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MVMary Vachon
Mary Vachon