Investing in compassion: exploring mindfulness as a strategy to enhance interpersonal relationships in healthcare practice

Healthcare is a human enterprise where provider-patient interactions are a critical part of the therapeutic process. Unfortunately many healthcare providers are at risk of burnout or compassion fatigue that can detract from quality care. Mindfulness-based interventions have proven efficacy for reducing stress among healthcare workers, but there is limited evidence regarding its impact on interpersonal communication. The purpose of this mixed-methods, non-randomized intervention study was to track the inter-personal impact of a nine-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on healthcare employees in two large hospitals. Pre and post group surveys were completed by 125 participants, tracking changes in empathy and symptoms of burnout, as well as gathering feedback about the program. Focus groups were also conducted with a sample of 12 participants one year later to explore their impressions of the sustained impact of the program. Analysis of the survey data indicated a significant increase in both cognitive and emotional dimensions of empathy, as well as significant decrease in the indicators of burnout. Many participants described an increased ability to listen mindfully to others, and that they were more tolerant and compassionate, with less emotional reactivity and better skills in managing conflict. Focus group participants indicated that they were able to integrate and apply principles of mindfulness into their day-to-day communications both within and outside of work. The findings provide a compelling argument for the value of mindfulness in not only building resilience, but enhancing communication in the context of healthcare work.

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Novel Spanish Translators for Acute Care Nurses and Physicians: Usefulness and Effect on Practitioners’ Stress

American Journal of Critical Care ◽

10.4037/ajcc2005.14.6.545 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 14 (6) ◽

pp. 545-550 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Andrew C. Bernard ◽

Audra Summers ◽

Jennifer Thomas ◽

Myrna Ray ◽

Anna Rockich ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Critical Care ◽

Stress Reduction ◽

Quality Care ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Critical Care Nurses ◽

Survey Period ◽

Acute Care Nurses ◽

Quality Healthcare ◽

Stress Levels ◽

Nurses And Physicians

• Background Language barriers are significant impediments to providing quality healthcare, and increased stress levels among nurses and physicians are associated with these barriers. However, little evidence supports the usefulness of a translation tool specific to healthcare. • Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel English-Spanish translator designed specifically for nurses and physicians. The hypothesis was that the translator would be useful and that use of the translator would decrease stress levels among nurses and physicians caring for Spanish-speaking patients. • Methods Novel English-Spanish translators were developed entirely on the basis of input from critical care nurses and physicians. After 7 months of use, users completed surveys. Usefulness of the translator and stress levels among users were reported. • Results A total of 60% of nurses (n = 32) and 71% (n = 25) of physicians responded to the survey. A total of 96% of physicians and 97% of nurses considered the language barrier an impediment to delivering quality care. Nurses reported significantly more stress reduction than did physicians (P = .01). Most nurses and physicians had used the translator during the survey period. Overall, 91% of nurses and 72% of physicians found that the translator met their needs at the bedside some, most, or all of the time. All nurses thought that they most likely would use the translator in the future. • Conclusions The translator was useful for most critical care nurses and physicians surveyed. Healthcare providers, especially nurses, experienced decreased stress levels when they used the translator.

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Current Practices and Challenges of Medical Services on Health Care System of Mandalay General Hospital

Myanmar Health Sciences Research Journal ◽

10.34299/mhsrj.00936 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (2) ◽

pp. 131

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

General Hospital ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Quality Care ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Medical Services ◽

Tertiary Level ◽

Care Providers ◽

Level Hospital ◽

Care System

In Myanmar, the main challenge to provide quality healthcare by Universal Health Care approach is documented as low health services coverage with substantial wealth-based inequality. To achieve the effective health care system, strong medical care system is essential. Understanding on challenges and needs in provision of medical services among patients and health care providers is critical to provide quality care with desirable outcomes. The aim of the study was to explore the patients’ and health care providers’ perceptions on the challenges in provision of medical services at the Mandalay General Hospital. This was a qualitative study conducted at the tertiary level hospital (Mandalay General Hospital). The data was collected by using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with hospitalized patients or attendants, healthcare providers such as medical doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and hospital administrators in March 2017. The qualitative data was analyzed using themes by themes matrix analysis. Most patients were satisfied with the care provided by the doctors because they believed that they received quality care. However, some patients complained about long waiting time for elective operation, congested conditions in the ward, burden for investigations outside the hospital for urgent needs and impolite manners of general workers. Healthcare providers reported that they had heavy workload due to limited human and financial resources in the hospital, poor compliances with hospital rules and regulation among patients and attendants, and inefficient referral practices from other health facilities. Other challenges experienced by healthcare providers were lack of ongoing training to improve knowledge and skills, limited health infrastructure and inadequate medicinal supplies. The findings highlighted the areas needed to be improved to provide quality health care at the tertiary level hospital. The challenges and problems encountered in this hospital can be improved by allocating adequate financial and human resources. The systematic referral system and hospital management guidelines are needed to reduce workload of health staff.

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PATIENTS’ JOURNEY THROUGH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD): A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ◽

10.1093/ibd/izaa347.127 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S53-S54

Author(s):

Tina Aswani Omprakash ◽

Norelle Reilly ◽

Jan Bhagwakar ◽

Jeanette Carrell ◽

Kristina Woodburn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Patient Experience ◽

Bowel Disease ◽

Quality Care ◽

Diagnostic Testing ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Indeterminate Colitis ◽

Patient Journey ◽

Inflammatory Bowel

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a debilitating intestinal condition, manifesting as Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) or indeterminate colitis (IC). The patient experience is impacted by a lack of awareness from other stakeholders despite growing global disease prevalence. To gain deeper insight of the patient experience, promote quality care, and enhance quality of life, we performed a qualitative study of the patient journey starting from pre-diagnosis through treatment. Methods U.S. patients with IBD were recruited via UC/CD support groups and organizations, social media platforms, blog followers, and personal networks. Participants were screened via an emailed survey and asked to self-identify as medically diagnosed on the basis of reported diagnostic testing. Interviews were conducted by qualitative researchers by phone or web conferencing. Open-ended questions were developed to support and gather information about our learning objectives—primarily, our desire to understand the unique experiences of UC/CD patients in their journey from symptom onset through diagnosis, treatment and maintenance (e.g. “Upon diagnosis, what were your immediate thoughts about the condition?”). This qualitative data were analyzed using Human-Centered Design methodology, including patient typologies (personas), forced temporal zoom (journey maps), forced semantic zoom (stakeholder system mapping), and affinity mapping for pattern recognition of unmet needs. Results A total of 32 patients were interviewed: N=17 CD patients, N=13 UC patients and N=2 IC patients. The interviewed population reflected regional, demographic, and disease-related diversity (Table 1). Five unique, mutually exclusive journeys were identified to understand and classify patient experiences: (1) Journey of Independence, (2) Journey of Acceptance, (3) Journey of Recognition, (4) Journey of Passion and (5) Journey of Determination (Figure 1). Patients with IBD expressed a need for increased awareness, education, and training for providers to shorten the path to diagnosis. Mental health support was found to be a critical gap in care, particularly for major treatment decisions (e.g., surgery). The inclusion of emotional support into the treatment paradigm was perceived as essential to long-term wellness. Patient attitudes and self-advocacy varied on their individual journeys; understanding these journeys may accelerate time to diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion Better understanding of patient journeys can help healthcare providers improve their approach to patient care and coordination.

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Choosing Wisely: The Canadian Rheumatology Association’s List of 5 Items Physicians and Patients Should Question

The Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.3899/jrheum.141140 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 42 (4) ◽

pp. 682-689 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Shirley L. Chow ◽

J. Carter Thorne ◽

Mary J. Bell ◽

Robert Ferrari ◽

Zarnaz Bagheri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Delphi Method ◽

Antinuclear Antibodies ◽

Quality Care ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Potential Effect ◽

Survey Results ◽

Bone Scans ◽

Bone Density Testing ◽

Perceived Relevance

Objective.To develop a list of 5 tests or treatments used in rheumatology that have evidence indicating that they may be unnecessary and thus should be reevaluated by rheumatology healthcare providers and patients.Methods.Using the Delphi method, a committee of 16 rheumatologists from across Canada and an allied health professional generated a list of tests, procedures, or treatments in rheumatology that may be unnecessary, nonspecific, or insensitive. Items with high content agreement and perceived relevance advanced to a survey of Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) members. CRA members ranked these top items based on content agreement, effect, and item ranking. A methodology subcommittee discussed the items in light of their relevance to rheumatology, potential effect on patients, and the member survey results. Five candidate items selected were then subjected to a literature review. A group of patient collaborators with rheumatic diseases also reviewed these items.Results.Sixty-four unique items were proposed and after 3 Delphi rounds, this list was narrowed down to 13 items. In the member-wide survey, 172 rheumatologists responded (36% of those contacted). The respondent characteristics were similar to the membership at large in terms of sex and geographical distribution. Five topics (antinuclear antibodies testing, HLA-B27 testing, bone density testing, bone scans, and bisphosphonate use) with high ratings on agreement and effect were chosen for literature review.Conclusion.The list of 5 items has identified starting points to promote discussion about practices that should be questioned to assist rheumatology healthcare providers in delivering high-quality care.

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Healthcare Provider Perspectives on Adherence to Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy after Breast Cancer

Current Oncology ◽

10.3390/curroncol28020139 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 1472-1482

Author(s):

Leah K. Lambert ◽

Lynda G. Balneaves ◽

A. Fuchsia Howard ◽

Stephen L. K. Chia ◽

Carolyn C. Gotay

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Endocrine Therapy ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Current System ◽

Quality Care ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Cancer Recurrence ◽

Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy ◽

Structural Factors ◽

Provider Perspectives

Adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) for breast cancer is suboptimal. The purpose of this study was to: (1) explore the experiences and perspectives of healthcare providers (HCPs) in providing care to breast cancer survivors prescribed AET, (2) identify how social and structural factors influence the provision of AET-related care, and (3) ascertain HCP recommendations for optimizing AET adherence and related care. Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 HCPs using an interpretive descriptive approach to inquiry and the theoretical lens of relational autonomy. Data was analyzed using thematic and constant comparative techniques. Healthcare providers focused on four main components of AET-related care: (1) the importance of having careful conversations about AET, (2) difficulties in navigating transitions in care, (3) symptom management as a big part of their role, and (4) dealing with AET discontinuation. Recommendations to improve AET adherence focused on developing sustainable and efficient models of delivering high-quality care to women on AET. Healthcare providers play a pivotal role educating women about AET and supporting their adherence to therapy. Sustainable healthcare system innovations and new models of care that address current system gaps are needed to enhance survivorship care, AET adherence, and ultimately, reduce cancer recurrence and mortality.

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Adolescent Interpersonal Communication Patterns

Curationis ◽

10.4102/curationis.v22i4.752 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

S Grobler

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Interpersonal Communication ◽

Interpersonal Relationships ◽

Communication Skills ◽

Data Gathering ◽

Target Population ◽

Training Programme ◽

Communication Patterns ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Psychiatric Problems

Adolescents are admitted to psychiatric wards presenting with psychiatric problems which are essentially secondary to problematic interpersonal relationships. Successful interpersonal relationships however depend on effective interpersonal communication. Therefore the aim of research on adolescent interpersonal communication was to explore and describe the interpersonal communication patterns of adolescents and to develop an interpersonal communication skills approach to facilitate adolescent interpersonal communication skills within a training programme for adolescents. In this article however attention will be given to the description of the interpersonal communication patterns of adolescents. The target population of the research was 17 year old adolescents. The research consisted of a pre-phase where two contextual scenarios were formulated within group discussions with adolescents. During phase one of the research these scenarios were used to obtain video taped role plays from pairs of adolescents of the target population which were transcribed for data gathering purposes. Written dialogues were also obtained from each pair of adolescents on the same scenarios used for triangulation purposes. During phase two of the research the data was analysed according to Tesch’s method and a literature control was done to verify the results. Guba’s model for the trustworthiness of qualitative research was used.

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Youth-Centered Maternity Care: A Binational Qualitative Comparison of the Experiences and Perspectives of Latina Adolescents and Healthcare Providers

10.21203/rs.3.rs-108766/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Martha J. Decker ◽

Noelle Pineda ◽

Abigail Gutmann-Gonzalez ◽

Claire D. Brindis

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Maternity Care ◽

Quality Care ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Qualitative Comparison ◽

Latina Adolescents ◽

Provider Perspectives ◽

Centered Care ◽

Delivery Options

Abstract Background Although there is growing recognition of the importance of person-centered maternity care, the needs and perspectives of pregnant adolescents are rarely considered. The purpose of this study was to compare the maternity care experiences of Mexican-origin adolescents in Guanajuato, Mexico and Fresno, California from both youth and healthcare provider perspectives. Methods Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with a total of 89 respondents, including pregnant and parenting adolescents as well as providers between December 2016 and July 2017. Adolescents also completed a short demographic survey prior to participation. Transcripts in English and Spanish were coded and thematically analyzed using Dedoose software. Results were compared by location and between youth and providers. Results Four themes emerged regarding patient-provider interactions: the need for communication and clear explanations, respectful versus judgmental providers, engaging youth in decision-making, and a focus on the age of the youth and their partners. While youth had similar perspectives and priorities in both locations, youth in Mexico reported more negative healthcare experiences than youth in California. Perspectives varied between the youth and providers, with providers in both California and Mexico identifying several structural challenges in providing quality care to adolescents. In California, challenges to supporting immigrant Latina adolescents and their families included language and translation issues as well as barriers to care due to immigration status and documentation. In both locations, providers also mentioned high patient caseloads and their own concerns about the youth’s life choices. Conclusion Youth-centered care requires more effective and respectful patient-provider communication, where adolescents are engaged in their healthcare decision-making and delivery options. Changes in patient-provider interactions can help improve the maternity care experiences and outcomes of Latina adolescents. Healthcare systems and providers need to reconfigure their approaches to focus on the needs and priorities of adolescents.

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Opinions of healthcare providers on the design of a smartphone application for asthma treatment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine ◽

10.4081/mrm.2020.508 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

Author(s):

Hajed M. Al-Otaibi ◽

Khalid A. Ansari ◽

Osama Hamad ◽

Turki M. Alanzi

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Therapeutic Process ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Asthma Treatment ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Primary Physician ◽

Global Initiative

Introduction: In several countries of the world, smartphone applications have been designed to contribute to the treatment of asthma. However, none of these applications has been developed in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the objective of this article is to design a smartphone application for the treatment of asthma based on the opinions of healthcare providers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: In order to know the opinion of the healthcare providers from Saudi Arabia about the design of an asthmaApp, we used a purposive sampling method and conducted a cross sectional survey employing a questionnaire which was distributed through the QuestionPro.com website to all healthcare providers working in this country. The questionnaire was sent to 376 healthcare providers and the response rate was 25%. Results: The data indicated that the majority of the respondents opined that the following features were important or very important in the design of a smartphone application for asthma treatment in Saudi Arabia: information about. patient diagnosis (98%), primary physician access information(83%), patient satisfaction with the therapeutic process (91%), push notifications about reminder for drugs (95%), push notification for treatment of inhaler and other drugs (92%), push notifications about reminders of clinic visits and therapy sections (81%), push notifications to ask for help sending SMS to primary physician about patients’ attacks (89%), pathophysiology of asthma (82%), asthma triggers (98%), drug guidelines (94%), drug side effects (93%), number of asthma attacks (98%), medication statistics (88%), visual inputs such as peak flow (91%), data to link patients to healthcare providers and to healthcare centers (82%), and Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) references (72%). Conclusions: According to the opinion of the majority of healthcare providers (92%), the proposed smartphone application designed based on medical guidelines will contribute to improve the treatment of patients with asthma in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and will help to reduce the number of asthma cases that need hospitalization, and the number of asthma cases in the emergency departments of the hospitals of the Kingdom.

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Interpersonal Communication in Medical Profession on the Example of Physiotherapists

Polish Journal of Public Health ◽

10.2478/pjph-2014-0028 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (3) ◽

pp. 125-129

Author(s):

Anna Matyja ◽

Karina Stój

Keyword(s):

Interpersonal Communication ◽

Interpersonal Relationships ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Medical Profession ◽

Problem Area ◽

Length Of Service ◽

Interpersonal Contact ◽

Building Relationships ◽

The People

Abstract Introduction. The article introduces the reader into the problem area, based on interpersonal relationships between physiotherapists and patients. Aim. The aim of the study is to learn the factors determining the quality of physiotherapeutic services. The research was carried out in relation to verbal and non-verbal aspects of contact between physiotherapists and patients. Material and method. The method used in the study was a quantitative survey based on a questionnaire. Results. Ninety-six percent of respondents state that they have no problems with making interpersonal contact with patients. Fifty-three percent of them show interest in patients during the dialogue and the remaining group only initiates the contact and limits it to personal creativity. The research shows that the gender of the respondents does not significantly affect the ways of showing interest in patients. However, the length of service differentiates their approach to patients as well as the age of the patients themselves. Discussion. Communication in a profession of physiotherapist refers to the personal preferences and interpersonal skills of the respondents, which can be determined by a specific style of their work. In addition, significantly it is determined by the level of education of future physical therapists, which was mentioned not only by the people in this study, but also in the studies cited in the literature included in the discussion. Conclusions.The quality of physiotherapy services is determined not only by instrumental preparation of a physiotherapist but also by expression that results from the interpersonal contact. Physiotherapists are aware of building relationships during the first contact. Therefore, they try to make a positive impression. In such way, the quality of treatment can be increased.

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Phubbing: A Technological Invasion Which Connected the World But Disconnected Humans

International Journal of Indian Psychology ◽

10.25215/0304.195 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Tehseen Nazir ◽

Dr. Metin Pişkin

Keyword(s):

Interpersonal Communication ◽

Interpersonal Relationships ◽

Communication Skills ◽

Mobile Applications ◽

Social Networking Sites ◽

Relationship Maintenance ◽

Public Places ◽

The World ◽

Set Up ◽

The Relationship

The use of social networking sites and other mobile applications have been growing intensively. Several researches indicated that it is one of the factors that impact the relationship maintenance between one another. It is highly desirable for all citizens to have a good interpersonal communication to maintain and develop further relationships. Bad communication skills may have harmed the interpersonal relationships. With technology advancing, Smartphone’s play an important part in people’s lives. It’s easy to see people talking, slipping, or even playing on their phones in public places. Certainly, when people are concentrating on the small screens in hands, they won’t care about their plights. So the probability of an accident is higher than before. Some countries even set up the “mobile phone sidewalk” to reduce potential hazards. But that is just palliatives. People needed to find a solution that “describe the annoying situation and further remind people to put their phones down, and get talking to each other again.”In response to this request, a new word “phubbing” was created.

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