Compassion: Learning Needs and Training Opportunities-a Survey Among Palliative Healthcare Providers in Italy

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Medical Education
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• Compassion is crucial in palliative care, yet training and discussion on this topic are underdeveloped.
• There is a gap in understanding healthcare professionals' (HCPs) knowledge and training needs regarding compassion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess Italian palliative care HCPs' knowledge of compassion.
• To explore their learning needs and current training opportunities in compassion.
• To evaluate the perceived utility and necessity of compassion training.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 330 Italian HCPs in palliative care.
• The survey assessed knowledge of compassion, its perceived utility, past training experiences, and future learning needs.
• Data analysis focused on correlations between knowledge, perceived necessity, and training satisfaction.

Main Results:

• HCPs with a clear understanding of compassion viewed it as more useful and training as more necessary.
• The majority of surveyed HCPs had not received any formal training in compassion.
• Despite rarity, 97% of those trained found it necessary, with multidisciplinary training yielding higher satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Formal compassion training is infrequent in Italian palliative care settings but is highly desired by professionals.
• Training enhances awareness of compassion's utility and necessity in clinical practice.
• Implementing multidisciplinary team training on compassion can improve its integration into palliative care.