Authors: Margaret Vick, Gudrun Dannenfeldt, Bill Shaw
Year: 2016
Event: 2016 TheMHS Conference
Subject: Research enhancing practice, research & evaluation informing practice, social justice, social inclusion, workforce, Wintec hamilton new zealand, nz
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
Abstract: The significance of compassion cannot be underestimated as a core attribute of health care and this has been highlighted in recent research from a number of different disciplines. Despite this, the word ‘compassion’ is rarely mentioned in policy documents or professional competency guidelines within New Zealand. With the aging population and increasing demands in the health care environment, attracting and retaining students who show compassion into the health care field is of increasing importance. As health educators we need to know if compassionate attributes can be developed and retained.
This research was begun with a pilot study in 2015 of 155 students studying degree level, health specific disciplines. We believed students beginning a study in health care already have compassionate attributes. We measured these attributes using ‘Compassion to Others’ psychometric scale (Pommier, 2010). An analysis of the date collected suggested students began study with compassionate attributes. Because of number of participants involved, data was not statistically significant. In 2016 we plan to follow this with a larger cohort of 200+ students which we will follow on a longitudinal basis to study whether compassion is being maintained or enhanced during the educational period. Initial results will be available in July 2016.
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