Defining compassion within a healthcare context

What is it about?

This article reports on the completion of a concept analysis on compassion in healthcare. The work utilised Walker and Avant’s eight-step model as a framework for the concept analysis. Data collection utilised a number of resources including online databases: Medline, CINAHL complete, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, Cochrane and DARE; dictionaries, social media, Internet sources, books and doctoral theses. In all, 296 resources were included in the review. The work distinguishes the defining characteristics of compassion within a healthcare context, allowing for associated meanings and behaviours to be outlined aiding understanding of compassion.

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Why is it important?

Compassion in healthcare requires five defining attributes to be present: recognition, connection, altruistic desire, humanistic response and action. The findings identify the complexity of the term and subjective nature in which it is displayed and in turn perceived. The concept analysis forms the basis of further research aiming to develop a healthcare explicit definition of compassion within healthcare, specifically cancer care and radiography practices. Lucidity will enhance understanding, facilitating active engagement and implementation into practice.