Grant: Project Grant

Older adults living with life-limiting health conditions want and deserve to receive healthcare that is compassionate. Despite healthcare providers' (HCPs) desire and healthcare organizations' attempts to provide compassion to this vulnerable and growing patient/resident population, the media, healthcare literature, and high-profile health inquires have all reported a seeming lack of compassion in our hospital and residential care settings. The consequences of these experiences are significant, including lower patient/resident well-being, poorer health outcomes, higher healthcare costs, increased patient/family complaints and greater rates of HCP burnout. As a result, HCPs and healthcare organizations are increasingly expected to improve the compassionate care they provide to patients/residents. A significant challenge to enhancing compassion is the lack of compassion training programs for HCPs. This study builds on our previous research investigating compassion within healthcare which produced the first patient model of compassion and a valid and reliable patient-reported compassion measure. The aim of the current study is to develop an evidence-informed, competency-based, and accredited compassion training program for HCPs who care for older adults in hospitals, hospices, and residential care. To accomplish this, we will first develop, and pilot test the proposed training program after assessing the needs of HCP learners and the care settings they work in. We will then examine the initial impact of compassion training on patient/resident care and HCP wellbeing and assess the feasibility of conducting a larger clinical research trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the final training program. Lastly, we will work with HCPs, healthcare organizations, educators, and leaders to develop resources and communication strategies to raise awareness of the compassion training program and to ensure that it is incorporated into clinical practice and healthcare organizations.