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Behavioural indicators of compassionate nursing care of individuals with complex needs: A naturalistic inquiry
Ahtisham Younas1, Caroline Porr1, Joy Maddigan1
1Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
Aims And Objectives:
To explore behavioural indicators of compassionate nursing care from the perspectives of individuals with multimorbidities and complex needs.
Background:
Complex patients are individuals with multimorbidity and/or mental health concerns, andoften with medication and drug-related problems requiring ongoing person-centered care, mental health interventions, and family and community resources. They are frequent consumers of health-care services and it is documented that these patients experience discrimination and substandard care. Compassionate care can improve patient care experiences and health outcomes. However, missing is the guidance on how to provide compassionate care for this population from the perspectives of complex patients.
Design:
A qualitative descriptive approach was conducted in eastern Canada from December 2020-April 2021. The COREQ guidelines were followed for reporting.
Methods:
Data from in-person and virtual semi-structured interviews with 23 individuals having experiences as complex patients were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Among them 19 were homeless and lived in a shelter.
Findings:
Six indicators of compassionate nursing care were generated: sensitivity, awareness, a non-judgmental approach, a positive demeanour, empathic understanding, and altruism.
Conclusions:
Individuals perceived that nurses who acknowledge personal biases are better at providing compassionate care by manifesting compassion through their genuine and selfless interest in the complicated health problems and underlying socio-cultural determinants of each patient. Kindness, positivity, and a respectful nursing approach elicit openness and the sharing of heartfelt concerns.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
Comprehensive health assessment, dedicated efforts to know the patient as a human being, and listening to the patient's preferences can improve health outcomes among individuals with complex needs. Healthcare administrators can effect the change by supporting nurses to address complex health and social care needs with compassion.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
Patients and healthcare professionals helped in data collection at the community care centre.
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