Cognitive habituation and care practices: what impact?

This study aims to explore the influence of habituation, linked to seniority, on the quality of nursing care in Tunisia. While professional experience is a lever of competence, it is sometimes accompanied by emotional disengagement, burdensome routine and progressive psychological fatigue. The results show that 60% of nurses with more than five years' seniority experience practice fatigue, 52% find it difficult to maintain empathy, and 37% are considering a change of department. These figures reveal the insidious effects of habituation on the nurse-caregiver relationship. Although it acts as a defense mechanism, it can ultimately undermine the quality of care. What's more, 74% of participants had never received training in managing emotional fatigue, whereas 81% expressed a need for such training. The study underlines the importance of targeted support to prevent burnout. Valuing experience, adapting HR policies and offering psychological support are all necessary levers for preserving the human commitment of caregivers and the quality of the bond with patients.

Autorentext
Sami Harakati is Chief Clinical Psychologist at the Tunisian Ministry of Health. He holds degrees in addictology, psychocriminology and victimology. He teaches psychology at the Central University of Tunisia. He is the author of several books, including Mental Illness and Pregnancy and Retirement and Distress.Sarra Aousji is a nurse.