What medical imaging professionals talk about when they talk about compassion
Bleiker, J; Knapp, K; Morgan-Trimmer, S; et al.Hopkins, S
Date: 25 August 2020
Article
Journal
Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
Publisher
Elsevier / Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technology
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Background
Compassion is a poorly understood concept in Medical Imaging research, but an increase in its focus was recommended in the Francis Report (2013). Little research has been conducted in this area to date.
Methods
The project was conducted from within a constructivist paradigm with appropriate ethical approval. As part of ...
Background
Compassion is a poorly understood concept in Medical Imaging research, but an increase in its focus was recommended in the Francis Report (2013). Little research has been conducted in this area to date.
Methods
The project was conducted from within a constructivist paradigm with appropriate ethical approval. As part of a wider doctoral study, data were harvested from a Twitter journal club discussion between medical imaging professionals of the author's published literature review and one focus group of post-graduate radiographers. Data were transcribed and analysed thematically.
Results
Compassion in DI is conceptualised according to three themes constructed from the data: 1) Perceptible elements of the procedure; 2) Underlying qualities, skills and abilities of radiographers; 3) Moral and ethical foundations. When medical imaging professionals talk about compassion they talk about its importance in professional practice, the challenges faced in giving compassionate care and the strategies they employ to cope with the emotional as well as physical demands they face. Contradictory organisational values and an over-emphasis on individuals’ responsibility for providing compassionate care were also highlighted. Ethical professional practice need not necessarily include in every interaction expressions of compassion, or feelings in a medical imaging professional of caring about their patient.
Conclusion
The concept of compassion has depth, with surface appearances underpinned by moral values and behaviour-motivating drivers. These findings offer a clearer understanding of compassion that could inform radiographic practice and education.
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Except where otherwise noted, this item's licence is described as © 2020. This version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/