Healthcare providers perspectives on compassion training: a grounded theory study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Medical Humanities
• Palliative Care Research

Background:

• Lack of concrete guidance for training healthcare providers (HCPs) in compassion.
• Compassion is a core competency and hallmark of quality palliative care.
• Need to understand HCPs' perspectives on compassion training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore healthcare providers' perspectives on training current and future HCPs in compassion.
• To identify essential components and methods for effective compassion training.
• To inform the development of evidence-based educational interventions.

Main Methods:

• Straussian grounded theory approach.
• Focus groups with frontline HCPs (n=35).
• One-on-one interviews with HCPs skilled in compassion (n=15).
• End-of-study focus groups with participants (n=5) and knowledge users (n=10).

Main Results:

• Healthcare providers agree compassionate behaviors are teachable and distinct from emotional compassion.
• Training can enhance compassion, but innate qualities influence learner capacity.
• Effective compassion training includes self-awareness, experiential learning, and communication skills.
• Healthcare settings and organizations are crucial for fostering compassionate practice.

Conclusions:

• Compassion training is vital for healthcare, particularly in palliative care.
• Key components for training include self-awareness, experiential learning, and communication skills.
• Study provides a foundation for future evidence-based compassion education interventions for HCPs.