FACTORS AFFECTING THE PRACTICE OF COMPASSIONATE RESPECTFUL CARE AMONG HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN SAINT PAUL’S HOSPITAL MILLENIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE,ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

Abstract Background Compassion has been defined as a deep awareness of the suffering of another which is coupled with a wish to relieve it and it is the most frequently referenced term as a hallmark of quality of care by patient, family members, health care providers, administrators and policy makers. Disrespect and abuse of patients during institutional health care service is one of the deterrents to utilization of health care services in Ethiopia as well as in those countries with low and middle income. This paper identifies factors which are associated with the poor practice of compassionate and respectful care in Saint Paul’s hospital millennium medical college. Objective This study aimed to investigate the factors which affect health professionals working in Saint Paul’s hospital millennium medical college to practice compassionate and responsible care. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study using quantitative method was conducted in Saint Paul’s hospital millennium medical college from May-June 2010. A total sample size of 307 was used. Summary measure frequency was used. The chi square and cross tabulation was implemented to identify possible association with the independent and dependent variable. Results Among 307 professionals participated in the study 264 (86%) of them had a good knowledge regarding compassionate and respectful care and most of the participants 195(63.5%) had a good attitude. With this a good practice of compassionate and respectful care was seen among 251(81.8%) of the respondents. With possible factors being gender, training, salary proportional to workload, provision with job description and scope, availability of someone to consult and good administrative support. Conclusion and recommendation In general though it’s thought practice of compassionate and respectful care is poor in Saint Paul’s hospital, this research find that there is a good knowledge, attitude and practice among the hospital staffs. The possible factors for the practice of compassionate and respectful care in Saint Paul’s hospital millennium medical college were gender , training, salary proportional to workload , provision with job description and 10 scope ,availability of someone to consult and good administrative support. Therefore other health facilities should also take this practice as a good example and they have to address the gap by giving emphasis on the possible mentioned factors which affect the practices of compassionate and respectful care in a particular set up.