The objective of this research was to analyse the quality of life of nursing professionals and its relationship with socio-demographic variables and the work context. A multi-centre, descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. Questionnaires were administered to 1521 nurses working in the Andalusian Public Health System (APHS), Spain. Professional quality of life (ProQOL v. IV) was measured, as well as several socio-demographic and work-related variables. To this end, a descriptive analysis and multiple exploratory analyses were conducted. The levels of compassion fatigue (CF) and burnout (BO) were elevated. The level of compassion satisfaction (CS) was below the estimated mean. Marital status, the healthcare setting, the area where the centre is located, and the work shift are variables associated with CF. According to the multiple linear regression model, the predicting factors for the occurrence of CF were being married, working in primary care, in urban areas, and working a morning/evening/night shift. The variables related to CS were the professional’s age, sex, marital status, the healthcare setting of the centre, the location of the centre, and the work shift. Specifically, according to the exploratory model, the factors that predicted a reduction in CS were working in primary care, in urban areas, and working a morning/evening/night shift. However, being divorced increased CS. BO was influenced only by the work shift. Nursing professionals are exposed to certain factors that may influence professional quality of life. Some of these factors are related to the work context.

Background: The high level of satisfaction of users of a health service is largely due to the fact that they receive excellent care from healthcare professionals. Compassionate care is an essential component of excellent care. But what do nurses understand compassion to be? Research objectives: To analyse the concept of compassion from the perspective of nurses in the Andalusian Public Health System, Spain. Research design: This is a qualitative study following the grounded theory model. Four focus groups and 25 in-depth interviews were conducted. Participants and research context: A total of 68 nursing professionals working in the Andalusian Public Health System (Spain) participated. Theoretical sampling was used, with participants being recruited using the snowball technique. Ethical considerations: This research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Centro-Almería Health District (CEICA 27/9/17). Findings: From the analysis of the data, four themes emerged that helped to understand the concept of compassion according to nurses: ‘Negative perception of the term compassion’, ‘Compassion and empathy as synonyms’, ‘Beyond empathy’, and ‘Effects of having a compassionate attitude’. Discussion: Nurses perceive the concept of compassion differently to each other and even contradictorily. This concept is imbued with cultural elements, which adds confusion to understanding it, and is even perceived as something negative similar to pity. Conclusion: Nurses confuse the concepts of empathy and compassion as if they were synonymous. Before considering training in compassion for healthcare professionals, it is essential to clarify the concept of compassion through educational interventions.

ENFERMERÍA Y NECESIDADES ESPIRITUALES EN EL PACIENTE CON ENFERMEDAD EN ETAPA TERMINAL

Esta investigación surge de la observación fenomenológica como enfermera asistencial cuidando a pacientes al final de la vida y como docente de enfermería en la asignatura “Afrontamiento de la muerte: intervención interdisciplinar”. Existen grandes carencias sobre formación en los cuidados al final de la vida, la muerte y el duelo. Para cubrir esta necesidad de formación de los alumno/as realizo una propuesta de intervención docente en la asignatura “Afrontamiento de la muerte: intervención interdisciplinar”, cuyo objetivo es evaluar el impacto que la propuesta educativa de la asignatura tiene sobre los estudiantes de Enfermería. Metodología: Esta investigación está enmarcada en el paradigma interpretativo o hermenéutico, de enfoque cualitativo. Desde una mirada fenomenológica, se plantea un estudio descriptivo y como instrumento de investigación se tomarán los diarios reflexivos de los alumnos/as, matriculados en la asignatura que eligieron la opción de asistencia a clase. Resultados: El número de diarios fueron 36, pero se seleccionaron de forma aleatoria 14. El análisis cualitativo ha permitido estructurar el discurso del alumnado en 5 categorías de análisis: Motivo de elección de la asignatura; Crecimiento personal; Logros en el proceso de aprendizaje; Aplicación profesional de las técnicas desarrolladas en la asignatura; Valoración de la asignatura por parte del alumno. Conclusiones: La intervención educativa de la asignatura, ha tenido un alto impacto en los alumnos/as, en dos dimensiones importantes para sus vidas. Por un lado, aumentando sus competencias académicas como futuros profesionales, y por otro adquiriendo habilidades y actitudes positivas sobre la muerte, para vivir y amar la vida.