Abstract
BACKGROUND: Compassion and compassion fatigue are discussed in the medical literature. However, few studies address physicians and none examine physicians' spiritual beliefs related to their provision of compassionate care.
METHODS: This in-depth, qualitative interview study explores practicing physicians' views regarding the relationship between compassion and spirituality in medical practice. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the immersion/crystallization method.
RESULTS: Despite diversity of personal spiritual beliefs, all study physicians felt compassion was "essential for a physician." Most linked compassion to underlying spiritual values (religious and secular). Many physicians saw medicine as providing opportunities for them to grow in compassion, essentially employing medicine as a spiritual discipline. Significant barriers to compassionate care included time pressures and values of the current culture of medicine. Facilitators included time for self-care.
CONCLUSION: Physicians value compassion, linking it to spiritual values and self-care, but identify challenges in daily practice. Further study is needed to explore how to support physicians' provision of compassionate care and prevent burnout.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 17-22 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Rhode Island medical journal (2013) |
| Volume | 97 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| State | Published - Mar 1 2014 |
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- General Medicine
Keywords
- compassion
- compassionate care
- physician self-care
- resilience
- spirituality