Burnout and compassion fatigue among organ donation coordinators: A Canadian perspective.

Aim: To understand the experiences and perceptions of burnout and compassion fatigue among Organ and Tissue Donation Coordinators (OTDCs) in Canada. Methods: A series of virtual focus group discussions were held with OTDCs from across Canada to discuss burnout and compassion fatigue as part of a national research project in collaboration with Canadian Blood Services, the organ donation and transplantation community, and experts in the field. Results: Eleven participants, including Canadian OTDCs and experts in the area of burnout, compassion fatigue and organ donation, participated in the discussion. OTDCs agreed that the high pressure and demands of their role challenge their workplace wellbeing and mental health. As a result, some of the OTDCs have recognized signs and symptoms of burnout and compassion fatigue throughout their career. Although OTDCs support each other and develop their own personal coping and protective strategies, there is a continued need to develop specific strategies to help mitigate work-related issues and increase retention of experienced OTDCs in Canada. Conclusion: The highly demanding role of OTDCs in Canada have challenged their mental health and work-related wellbeing, leaving them more susceptible to experiencing issues such as burnout and compassion fatigue. Future research is needed to investigate the levels of work-related issues among OTDCs, as well as to develop specific interventions to help support the work-related wellbeing and mental health of these professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]