Compassion in Italian palliative care: Investigating healthcre professionals’ perspectives using focus groups
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Compassion, a complex response aimed at alleviating suffering, plays a crucial role in healthcare professionals' (HCPs) patient care, especially in palliative settings. This study explored compassion in Italian palliative care HCPs using focus groups. A total of 52 palliative care HCPs participated in this study across five focus groups. The transcripts of the discussions were subjected to content analysis. Compassion emerged as "being with someone," a relational dimension deeply influenced by various factors, including patients, caregivers, work environment, and HCPs themselves. While often perceived as innate, the participants expressed their potential to be nurtured through training and group discussions. Compassion is integral to the HCP-patient relationship, shaped by multifaceted aspects. These findings emphasize the importance of cultivating and enhancing compassion through training and group discussions.
Source: Journal of Health Psychology
Authors: Andrea Bovero, Chiara Tos, Sara Pesce, Alexa Pidinchedda, Rossana Botto, Luca Ostacoli, Francesca Malandrone
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4403156000