Nurses’ and midwives’ views of the “Leaders for Compassionate Care Program”: A qualitative analysis

Background: Compassionate care delivery is a key feature of nursing and midwifery and a marker of quality healthcare delivery. Training nurses and midwives in compassionate care is known to yield positive nursing, midwifery, and patient outcomes such as increased job satisfaction, reduced burnout, improved patient satisfaction, and enhanced quality of life. Aim: To explore nurses’ and midwives’ views of a three-day program entitled “The Leaders for Compassionate Care Program” from the perspective of participating nursing/midwifery leaders, directors of nursing/midwifery, chief directors of nursing/midwifery, and program facilitators. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was adopted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants (n = 15). Individual and focus group interviews were conducted via telephone and teleconferencing using a semi-structured interview protocol. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Findings: Participants perceived the program as innovative since it involved teamwork and networking and helped reiterate the human element of care. Participants identified the knowledge and expertise of the program facilitators as enablers to learning. The facilitators were committed to delivering a program that met the needs of individual leaders. Discussion: Findings suggest the need to explore the long-term impact of the program, offer similar programs to junior and senior nursing/midwifery leaders, and maintain the networking that took place during the program. This could be achieved through conducting follow-up sessions and masterclasses. Conclusion: The program served as an opportunity for the leaders to take time out, reflect on their practice using a compassionate care lens, network with colleagues from different institutions, and develop leadership skill.