Caregivers’ Perceptions of Compassion Ability Among Paediatric Healthcare Providers in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Compassion fatigue has the potential to impair compassion ability among paediatric health care providers (PHCPs). Despite the increased number of paediatric patients in the public hospitals occasioned by improved health services, the impact on PHCPs compassion ability has not been established. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to describe paediatric caregivers’ perceptions of compassion ability among PHCPs. METHODS: The study adopted the phenomenological research design. Data collection methods included unstructured interviews, focused group discussions and narratives. Perceptions of compassion ability among PHCP were sought from family caregivers of paediatric patients admitted during the period of study. RESULTS: 42 caregivers were included in the study. Majority were mothers aged between 21-30 years. The study found that caregivers perceived compassionate care as love and friendliness, timeliness in treatment, adequate consultation time and getting enough information from their PHCPs. Compassionate care varied from PHCP to PHCP depending on possession of these qualities. The PHCPs who had these qualities were viewed as compassionate while those who lacked them were viewed as uncompassionate. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers conceptualize compassionate care as love and friendliness, timeliness in treatment, adequate consultation time and receiving adequate information concerning their children. PHCP need to understand these are important components of their services and realize that caregivers are not just interested in their services but in how these services are delivered.