Compassion is deeply rooted in the culture and values of Indian society. It is highly witnessed in the public healthcare delivery system in India. The Indian healthcare system relies on compassionate patient care, empathy, and respect for people. Wondering what does it mean to be compassionate?
Compassion is a feeling of sympathy and concern for people’s suffering. It is an innate quality that allows healthcare providers to connect with their patients on a personal level. It allows them to understand the patient’s pain, suffering, and emotions and to provide them with comfort and care.
Importance of Compassion in Healthcare
The public health system in India constantly works towards recognising the importance of compassionate patient care in the healthcare division. The National Health Policy 2017 talks about the development of training programmes to promote compassionate skills for healthcare professionals.
The Ayushman Bharat programme, which launched in 2018, is another healthcare transformation initiative that aims to provide financial aid to vulnerable and underprivileged sections. It offers free healthcare services up to a certain limit for them. It also aims to establish a network of health and wellness centres across the country.
Compassionate patient care involves not only providing medical treatment but also addressing the emotional and psychological needs of the patient. Healthcare professionals in India need more training to provide holistic care that covers the patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
A study in the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics claims that healthcare professionals who showcase compassion are more likely to provide better patient outcomes.
Compassionate patient care involves several key elements like active listening, empathy, respect, and communication. It is not without reason that nursing staff from India are much sought after all over the world. Empathy and compassion which are the hallmark of healthcare in India are our unique ingrained qualities.
Frontline healthcare personnel including security guards and hospital managers need training in active listening and empathetic behaviour. This involves giving the patient their full attention, listening to their concerns, and responding thoughtfully and respectfully.
Healthcare leaders need to learn empathy, which is understanding the patient’s emotional and psychological needs and then helping them manage their illness. They need to treat the patients with dignity, giving due recognition to their individuality and cultural background. They also need to communicate effectively with their patients, family members, and loved ones.
Healthcare Delivery System in India
Compassionate leadership needs to be a priority in the public healthcare system. Even though, we have seen multiple glimpses of compassion during COVID-19 that hit the country, such acts of compassion should be the norm and not a result of difficult situations.
To achieve this goal, we require a lot of out-of-the-box approaches. It is important to build a suitable curriculum and bring this awareness to all healthcare providers.
The Bihar State government took the lead and rolled out an 8-stage curriculum, which was made by Emory University, which educates the heart and mind for the greater good of humanity. Interestingly, The Cognitive Based Compassion Training (CBCT) has helped 1200 healthcare professionals across 12 districts in Bihar, to manage and resolve complex situations with respect and leadership.
The results from the training are fruitful. After undergoing a series of CBCT sessions, the difference is visible in the smiles on the patients’ faces and also the satisfaction that the staff feels. For example, the staff in the District Hospital in Sitamarhi in Bihar can now empathise with the patients and view them with great compassion. This has helped elevate the experience of patients at every touch point.
Curriculum and Culture: Fostering Compassion in Healthcare Delivery System in India
Incorporating a compassionate curriculum and culture is crucial to make respectful healthcare in the public healthcare system. Compassionate leadership must be developed within the healthcare system as a priority. One way to achieve this is by building a curriculum that focuses on developing the cognitive and emotional aspects of compassion.
Including a culture of compassion in the entire healthcare system is equally important. Healthcare providers, who practice compassion towards patients, their families, and colleagues need appreciation and rewarding.
We need to encourage healthcare providers to practice self-compassion, which involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding during stressful situations. This will help them develop self-awareness and emotional regulation skills to improve their overall well-being and ability to deliver compassionate care.
Delivering Compassionate Care in India: Overcoming Challenges
Just like in any other field, the government and other responsible entities involved need to leverage technology and other means in the most underserved areas. Whether it’s telemedicine, mobile health units, and building capacities of community health workers like Smile Foundation does through its healthcare programme, Health Cannot Wait, consistent efforts will ensure everyone gets the best of facilities. These measures will aid compassionate practitioners to provide the best healthcare experiences.
Compassion is a fundamental element of healthcare in India. It plays a critical role in improving patient outcomes, enhancing patient experience, and reducing healthcare costs. While there have been challenges in maintaining compassionate care in the face of commercialisation, the government, nonprofits and private healthcare need to promote compassionate care.
Healthcare providers should be able to build trust and establish long-term relationships with patients. As the healthcare delivery system in India continues to evolve, it is essential that compassion remains at the heart of healthcare in India to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.