Perception of Provider Compassion and Its Relationship with Patient Race and Income in an Out-Patient Setting
Abstract
Introduction:
The perception of compassion exhibited by healthcare providers is fundamental to patient-centered care, influencing patient satisfaction and healthcare outcomes. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the variations in the perception of provider compassion among different racial groups within the Hoffheimer Hall healthcare setting. Additionally, we investigated whether these perceptions were contingent upon patients' income levels.
Methods:
A comprehensive cross-sectional study design was employed to investigate the perception of provider compassion, trust, psychological and emotional support, personal needs fulfillment, and interest in the patient as a whole. This study involved participants from diverse racial backgrounds who sought care at Hoffheimer Hall. A structured questionnaire, validated for reliability, was distributed to assess these perceptions. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling and assured of anonymity. Data were collected through self-administered paper-based questionnaires. We utilized R statistical software to perform ordinal logistic regression, incorporating race, income, and other control variables to understand the relationship between patient perceptions and provider characteristics.
Results:
Our analysis revealed significant insights into the variations in how compassion is perceived by patients from different racial backgrounds and income levels. Importantly, the preliminary regression results indicated that the patient's perception of healthcare providers for different racial groups depends on income levels. Income conditions the perception of healthcare providers for various racial groups, emphasizing the intersectionality of these factors in patient experiences.
Conclusion:
This cross-sectional study underscores the importance of understanding how provider compassion is perceived by different racial groups and its relationship with income within the healthcare setting. These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive and equitable healthcare practices, recognizing that income levels can influence patient perceptions of provider compassion. This research contributes to ongoing discussions on patient-centered care, healthcare disparities, and the significance of tailoring compassionate care to meet the unique needs of diverse racial and income groups.