Compassion training in healthcare: what are patients' perspectives on training healthcare providers?
Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate advanced cancer patients’ perspectives on the
importance, feasibility, teaching methods, and issues associated with training healthcare providers in compassionate care.
Methods: This study utilized grounded theory, a qualitative research method, to develop an empirical understanding
of compassion education rooted in direct patient reports. Audio-recorded semi-structured interviews were conducted
to obtain an in-depth understanding of compassion training from the perspectives of hospitalized advanced cancer
patients (n = 53). Data were analyzed in accordance with grounded theory to determine the key elements of the
underlying theory.
Results: Three overarching categories and associated themes emerged from the data: compassion aptitude, cultivating
compassion, and training methods. Participants spoke of compassion as an innate quality embedded in the character of
learners prior to their healthcare training, which could be nurtured through experiential learning and reflective practices.
Patients felt that the innate qualities that learners possessed at baseline were further fashioned by personal and practice
experiences, and vocational motivators. Participants also provided recommendations for compassion training, including
developing an interpersonal relationship with patients, seeing the patient as a person, and developing a human
connection. Teaching methods that patients suggested in compassion training included patient-centered
communication, self-reflection exercises, and compassionate role modeling.
Conclusions: This study provides insight on compassion training for both current and future healthcare providers,
from the perspectives of the end recipients of healthcare provider training – patients. Developing a theoretical
base for patient centred, evidence-informed, compassion training is a crucial initial step toward the further
development of this core healthcare competency.
Description
Keywords
Compassion, Healthcare
Citation
Sinclair, Shane, et al. (2016). Compassion training in healthcare: what are patients' perspectives on training healthcare providers? in MBC Medical Education 16:169.