The importance of compassion and respectful care for the health workforce: a mixed-methods study

Compassionate and respectful care (CRC) is an essential element for health care providers (HCPs), which builds a positive environment and intimacy among health care professionals, patients, and families. However, there is a lack of studies examining the prevalence of and factors associated with compassionate and respectful care practice in low-resource countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the practice of compassionate and respectful care and its associated factors among the health workforce (HWF). This mixed-methods study was conducted through quantitative and qualitative data collection from April to May 2019 in North Shewa Zone health care facilities (NSHFs). For quantitative analysis, participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Participants for qualitative analysis were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data entries were made by EpiData version 3.2 and exported to SPSS version 23 software for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associated factors. Thematic analysis was carried out for qualitative data. A total of 392 HWF responded to a self-administered survey, and 72 participants participated in focus group discussions (FGDs). Four categories of themes emerged: definition/knowledge, barriers, benefit, and leadership will. The prevalence of compassionate and respectful care practices was 38.8% and 46.2%, respectively. Female gender, health officer role, having a monthly salary equal to or greater than 5000 Ethiopian birr, and a positive attitude were significantly associated with compassionate care practice. The age category of 30–39, positive attitude, and ensuring a safe and clean care environment were significantly associated with respectful care practice. Compassionate and respectful care among HWF requires an actual demonstration of humanity and kindness to promote person-centered practice for their clients. Therefore, the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health should emphasize CRC continuity by including it in the health care curriculum, improving the health care ethics skill gap, designing appropriate policy to reduce workload, and promoting patient rights.