International journal of nursing studies advances
The Experiences of Compassion Fatigue in Oncology and Palliative Care Nursing: A Scoping Review
By Feruglio L, Bressan V, Cedrone S and 1 others.
Abstract
Purpose
Oncology and palliative care nursing involves prolonged exposure to suffering, death, and emotionally demanding care, placing nurses at heightened risk of compassion fatigue. Although previous research has identified associated risk and protective factors, less attention has been given to understanding how compassion fatigue develops and is sustained within clinical practice. This scoping review aimed to examine the emotional, relational, individual, and organizational processes shaping compassion fatigue among nurses working in oncology and palliative care settings.
Methods
A scoping literature review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Psychology Database, and Web of Science were searched for studies published in English, Italian, and Spanish up to May 2025. The study protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework on August 7, 2025. Descriptive analysis and qualitative content analysis were conducted to synthesize the findings.