Self-Compassion and its Relationship with Patient Care Practices among Nurses

Abstract

Background: The healthcare industry continuously explores factors that contribute to the effective delivery of patient-centered care amidst global concerns about healthcare worker shortages and maintaining a healthy workforce. Self-compassion has been recognized as a significant factor that enhances empathy, reduces professional burnout, and improves the quality of life in healthcare settings. Objective: This study aims to examine the influence of self-compassion on patient care practices among nurses, considering demographic variables such as age, marital status, and work experience to identify actionable factors that enhance care quality. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational survey was employed, involving 403 female nurses from various hospitals in Islamabad and Faisalabad, aged between 20 and 55 years. The Self-Compassion Scale (Urdu version) and the Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 (Urdu version) were used to measure self-compassion and patient care practices, respectively. Demographic data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis included regression, t-tests, and ANOVA, conducted using SPSS version 25.0, to assess relationships and group differences based on the collected data. Results: Self-compassion explained 23% of the variance in patient care practices (F = 119.09, p < .01). Nurses with more than 10 years of experience demonstrated better patient care practices compared to those with less experience. Unmarried nurses showed higher levels of self-compassion and better patient care practices compared to their married counterparts. Conclusion: The findings underscore the positive relationship between self-compassion and patient care practices, suggesting that enhancing self-compassion among nurses can lead to improved healthcare delivery. Promoting self-compassion training and practices in healthcare settings could enhance professional development, increase resilience, and subsequently improve patient outcomes.