Student Paramedics' Experiences of Compassion Fatigue: a Phenomenological Mixed-methods Study

This was a non-interventional, observational, mixed-methods study that used a phenomenological approach to explore student paramedics' experiences and perceptions of compassion fatigue (CF). The study aimed to identify how CF manifests during training, how it affects clinical practice, and which forms of support students believe would be helpful in preventing or managing CF.

Participants were recruited from the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice programme at UK University, using purposive, non-probability sampling. Data collection involved two components:

1. Semi-structured interviews conducted online via Microsoft Teams to explore participants' lived experiences.
2. Completion of the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) questionnaire, which measured Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout, and Secondary Traumatic Stress.

Interview transcripts were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke's six-step framework. The ProQOL data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential comparisons using both Frequentist and Bayesian analysis, using JASP software. The target sample size was between 3-10. Seven participants completed the study.

Eligible participants were contacted via email by the designated gatekeeper, the course leader. The email outlined that, as student paramedics who had attended clinical placement as part of their course, they were eligible to take part in the study. The email invited them to read the participant information sheet and contact the primary researcher with any questions. Those interested in participating were asked to get in touch to organise receipt of the informed consent form.