Drivers and drainers of compassion in intensive care medicine: An empirical study using video vignettes

BACKGROUND: The aim was to determine what factors drive and enhance compassionate care behaviors in the ICU setting and which factors drain and negate such caring attitudes and behaviors. METHODS: Qualitative, focus group discussions using video vignettes. 20 participants agreed to be part of 3 separate focus groups facilitated by the authors. RESULTS: Thematic analysis revealed emphasis on behavior and nonverbal cues, clinical decision making, communication and sensitivity, and building humane relations. The results show that physicians feel driven by the humanity and sensitivity felt in ICU work, however, there exists structural incompetence, as well as the stress and personal -systemic imbalances of ICU work, which leads to burnout and erosion of such motivations, draining compassion. CONCLUSIONS: Regulatory and scheduling practices must be examined to foster the growth of compassionate behaviors and attitudes in healthcare, and these should be treated as essential patient centered metrics.