Compassionate Engagement and Action in the Education for Health Care Professions: A Cross-Sectional Study at an Ecuadorian University

Objective: This study aimed at exploring the compassion attitudes and needs for awareness and training related to a compassionate approach for Medicine, Nursing, and Psychology students, as well as for the academic and administration personnel from the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL, Ecuador) Health Sciences area. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study, based on a self-administered questionnaire through a sample of 788 UPTL students. STROBE guidelines were followed and applied. Results: A positive correlation was found between life engagement and compassion for others, from others, and self-compassion. The Nursing students were those who reported having previous experiences of contact with people with an advanced disease or in an end-of-life situation and having received some type of training compared to Medicine and Psychology students and lecturers (faculty members). Differences were found on the “self-compassion” and “compassion for others” subscales, noting a higher level of compassion among Psychology students. Conclusions: To implement the philosophy of compassionate universities it is necessary to design trainings that include the students, the faculty members, and the administrative staff, centered on sensitization and training about assistance, care, and accompaniment at the end of life, as well as cultivating compassion in the workplace.