The association of compassionate care and coping with disease among patients undergoing hemodialysis

Background Compassionate care is one of the concepts that is important to the care of patients with chronic diseases, especially for patients undergoing hemodialysis who deal with all kinds of problems and sufferings. This study aimed to measure the level of compassionate care from the perspective of hemodialysis patients and to assess the relationship between compassionate care and coping with the disease. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 patients undergoing hemodialysis in two hemodialysis centers. The participants were selected by random sampling method. Data were collected by the Schwartz Center Compassionate Care Scale (SCCCS) and the Brief COPE scale. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26) software using ANOVA, t test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results The mean score of compassionate care from the perspective of patients on hemodialysis was 101.20 ± 17.47 out of 120. Among coping strategies, problem-focused strategies which are considered efficient were used more than other emotional-focused and avoidance coping strategies. Moreover, there was a significant and positive relationship of compassionate care with problem-focused and emotional-focused strategies ( p < 0.05). Conclusion According to the results, providing compassionate care for patients on hemodialysis could help them to cope with their disease. Moreover, the results showed that providing compassionate care is associated with positive coping strategies. Therefore, it is suggested for healthcare working in the hemodialysis units provide high-quality compassionate care and help the patients and their families to cope with their chronic diseases.