Compassionate Care Delivery for Elderly Patients: Nurses’ Perception

Abstract

Background: Compassion is evident in literature within science and the humanities. It has an evolutionary basis, marking a point in human development when we could think about others’ feelings. As a consequence, humans were able to care for those in need and exhibit concern for them. This shows the relational aspect of compassion, which necessitates an understanding of and connection with another. Aim: This study aims to measure nurses' perception of compassionate care in Beni-Suef city. Sample: A descriptive cross-sectional design for 140 nurses. Setting: Beni-Suef University Hospital, General Hospital, as well as Continuing/Long-term care and Home Health Care (HHC) services. Results: 90.0% of the nurses were having a positive compassion attitude related to hospital leadership. Statistically significant relations between nurses’ compassionate care attitude and many of their characteristics, however, nurses’ compassionate care attitude was positive among highly qualified married young-aged males from urban nurses who have sufficient income. A statistically significant relationships were found between nurses’ compassionate care practice and their gender (p=0.006), residence (p=0.003), and nursing qualification (p<0.001). Conclusion: Nurses in the study settings have a generally positive attitude towards compassionate care. However, their practice of compassionate care and related self-confidence seems to be low. These are influenced by nurses’ age, qualification, experience years, residence, and income. Recommendations: In-service training programs should be applied on a wide scale for nurses to improve their practice and self-confidence related to compassion care.