Exploratory analysis of the professional quality of life in an Italian radiotherapy department: The role of empathy and alexithymia

Professional quality of life (QoL) is crucial for healthcare workers as it affects performance at work and interaction with patients, but little is known about stressors influencing radiation oncology professionals. The present study aims to explore the professional QoL of radiation oncologists (ROs) and radiation therapists (RTTs) in an Italian radiotherapy department and to report data about the possible impact of personality factors, such as alexithymia and empathy.

Participants filled out three validated questionnaires measuring the professional QoL, alexithymia, and empathy: (i) Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL); (ii) Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20); (iii) Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Correlation, regression analyses and non-parametric tests were run.

A total of 48 professionals completed the survey (66.7% ROs, 33.3% RTTs). Considering the ProQOL dimensions, moderate levels of risk for burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress (STS) were found. BO was found to be predictive by TAS-20 total score (β=.37, p=.010), while STS resulted to be predictive by TAS-20 total score (β=.54, p <.001) and IRI Empathic Concern subscale (β=.45, p <.001). No significant differences were found between ROs and RTTs for all the considered variables, except for TAS-20 total score (p=.032), higher for RTTs.

Results showed no evidence of high risk of burnout and no intrinsic differences regarding the professional QoL between ROs and RTTs. Findings suggest a significant role of alexithymia and empathy predicting professional QoL. These results underscore the importance of promoting a positive work environment and emotional competencies to prevent high stress levels.