Date of Award
Fall 10-16-2019
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate of Education, Ed.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Jillian Skelton, Ed.D.
Second Advisor
Dana Shelton, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Dion Jones, Ph.D.
Abstract
Orthotic and prosthetic practitioners are faced with heavy caseloads of patients that impact symptoms of burnout, which is another word for stress. This qualitative, descriptive-multiple case study investigated Orthotic and Prosthetic (O&P) practitioners in the United States and their views on whether job satisfaction influences compassion satisfaction, while working with patients who have lost one or more limb(s). The research study also included whether burnout or depression have a significant effect on job satisfaction and compassion satisfaction. This research study was conducted using a three-phased data collection process that included in-depth interview sessions, along with researcher’s notes, a prepared open-ended questionnaire, and an online questionnaire. The participants in this study were selected using purposive sampling through a professional network and O&P professional groups. Nine participants completed the telephone interview sessions, the prepared open-ended questionnaire, and the online questionnaire. The O&P practitioners in this research study believed that job satisfaction and compassion satisfaction are complementary when working with individuals who have lost one or more limbs—both needs must be met in the workplace.