The Experiences, enablers and barriers of compassion according to residential youth care workers in the Netherlands

Backgroud
Youth living in residential youth care (RYC) have complex needs that should be properly addressed, while RYC workers are susceptible to stress and burnout due to the demanding nature of their profession. Compassion plays a significant role in caregiving, and its benefits for professionals and clients have been reported in several care settings, but experiences, barriers and enables of compassion are yet to be explored in Dutch RYC.

Objective
This qualitive research aimed to understand the experiences of RYC workers regarding the three flows of compassion, as well as the possible enablers and barriers that might influence its expression.

Methods
Data was collected through semi-structured online interviews with 13 RYC workers from three different organizations. The transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results
Three topics, eight themes, and 26 sub-themes were identified. RYC workers recognized the value of compassion in their work environment. Compassion toward others seemed to be the most prominent flow, compared to receiving compassion from others and self-compassion. Organizational and personal enablers and barriers were distinguished.

Conclusions
The insights of RYC workers show how compassion can have a potential role in improving caregiving in RYC settings. Recommendations are presented for adjustments in organizational management, staff training and supervision.