An Investigation Into the Expression and Receipt of Compassion in a Hospital Setting

Abstract

<p>Compassion in healthcare is considered fundamental. Perceived deficits of compassion in healthcare have been addressed in a number of government reports. Healthcare professionals have been accused of a lack of compassion. Compassion has been described as controversial, complex, difficult to explain or define. Despite compassion being viewed as an essential component of healthcare professionals’ practice, it remains a poorly understood concept.</p> <p>Understanding compassion in health care is important. This study provides empirical data which examined health researchers’ perceptions of the concept, and examined patients and health professionals’ experiences of receiving or expressing compassion in a hospital setting. This study addresses a gap in the literature relating to the expression and receipt of compassion in a health setting, and addresses the ambiguity surrounding the concept.</p> <p>This research used a qualitative methodology, with multiple methods of inquiry, which drew on the principals of pragmatism and constructivism. A Delphi study was used to examine the perceptions of nine health researchers from Australia, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Health researchers came to a consensus that compassion was a virtuous response involving awareness of and participation in the suffering of another, conveyed through action intended to reduce the observed suffering.</p> <p>Narrative interviews were conducted with eleven health professionals and thirteen patients from Australia. Interview data were analysed using a bricolage of narrative and thematic analysis techniques. Applying multiple methods allowed the complexity of compassion to be understood. Analysis revealed three major themes which comprise of six minor themes representing compassionate practice. A conceptual model of compassionate practice is presented. The themes and sub themes are the amalgamation of various knowledges and skills (high level verbal and non-verbal communication; professional competence, advocacy and system knowledge), the delivery of meaningful actions which alleviate suffering (practical support and helping behaviours; taking-action which makes a difference), and meeting individual needs and prevention of further preventable suffering (emotional, empathetic and intelligent response; presence and protection). A further conceptual model, identified through secondary thematic analysis, reveals the embodiment of compassionate practice through the use of touch.</p> <p>The findings of this study have provided greater insight into perceptions and experiences of compassionate practice in a hospital setting. We address the challenges of conceptualising compassion as an innate human quality a health professional must possess. Findings from this study suggest that labelling health professionals as either compassionate or not compassionate flawed. Compassionate practice is something that can be demonstrated by health professionals, and is felt by patients. </p>