Evaluating the Relationship Between Burnout Levels and Compassion Fatigue, Emotional Intelligence, and Communication Skills of Organ Transplant Coordinators

Abstract

Aim. The aim was to determine the effects of compassion fatigue, emotional intelligence levels, and communication skills of organ transplant coordinators on burnout. Methods. This descriptive correlational study included 104 organ transplant co- ordinators. Data were collected via a survey that consisted of demographic information, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, the Emotional Intelligence Scale, and the Compassion Fatigue Scale. Findings. A positive relationship was reported between burnout (mean, 39.42 [SD, 19.54]) and compassion fatigue (mean, 2.26 [SD, 0.86]) measurements of the organ transplant coordinators (r ¼ 0.432) and a negative and significant relationship existed between burnout and emotional intelligence (mean, 3.53 [SD, 0.58]) measurements (r ¼ 0.372). However, no correlation was found between communication skills (mean, 4.27 [SD, 0.52]) and burnout (r ¼ 0.184; P > .05) except a negative correlation with client-related burnout measurements (r ¼ 0.222; P < .05). As a result of the 2-step regression analysis, the regression-squared value predicted the joint effect of compassion fatigue and emotional intelligence on burnout (R2 ¼ .285). Conclusions. Organ transplant coordinators reported moderate levels of burnout and compassion fatigue and high levels of emotional intelligence and communication skills. Compassion fatigue caused burnout, while emotional intelligence decreased. Additionally, transplant coordinators’ communication skills were related to client-related burnout.