Abstract
Editorial: Historically, the value compassion spans thousands of years, particularly in a religious context. Despite the historical usage and interpretations of the term ‘compassion’, there is still discussion on how to define it, particularly as it may encompass a number of values such as sympathy, empathy, and respect. In recent years attention has been drawn to the fact that compassion towards the patient seems to have decreased, with events at certain hospitals in the UK, Greece and elsewhere showing alarming gaps in the humanity of the care offered. Although there is limited evidence regarding the effects of compassionate care, it is thought that patients who are treated with understanding and compassion may recover faster and manage chronic disorders more effectively. Patient anxiety might also be reduced as a result of compassionate care3
Highlights
The value compassion spans thousands of years, in a religious context
The importance of compassionate care is clearly relevant to all healthcare sectors, and we currently invite discussion on the importance of compassionate care in rural and remote areas
A physician commuting from a urban area to deliver health care to individuals in rural areas may receive more support, but may experience less of a cultural understanding of his/her patients, compared with physicians residing and working in rural areas
Summary
The value compassion spans thousands of years, in a religious context. It is perhaps important when delivering health care to hard to reach populations such as those in rural and remote areas, to seek to identify the extent to which the care provided reflects compassion and understanding towards the values, traditions, and identities of these groups.
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