The Relationship Between Nurses’ Altruism and Compassion Levels and Care Quality Indicators

Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between nurses’ altruism and compassion levels and care quality indicators. Design: The study employed a descriptive and correlational research design, utilizing quantitative research methods. Methods: The research was conducted at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, owned by one of Turkey’s largest healthcare groups. The study population consisted of 350 nurses. The sample size was calculated as 184 with a 95% confidence level based on α = 0.05 using the G ∗ Power 3.1 program. The study sample consisted of 189 nurses who agreed to participate in the study and were on sick leave or not on leave between these dates. Data were collected between December 2017 and March 2018. All participants in the study were registered nurses. This was performed using the Demographic Characteristics Form, Altruism Scale, and Compassion Scale, which were then compared with the quality of care indicator results. The research data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics, correlation, and multiple regression tests. Results: The mean total score for the Altruism Scale was 71.38 ± 13.14, while the mean total score for the Compassion Scale was 3.72 ± 0.34. A statistically significant relationship was found between the altruism total and subdimension scores and the compassion total and subdimension scores ( p = 0.001 and p < 0.01). A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between the annual pressure injury rates observed in the hospital and the nurses’ indifference subdimension scores ( p = 0.011) in the correlation between the quality of care indicators and scales ( p < 0.05). In the regression analysis conducted to examine the effects of altruism and compassion on quality of care indicators, the incidence of thrombophlebitis within 1 year was found to be significantly affected ( f = 4.200; p = 0.037). The results revealed a significant correlation between the 3 month and 1 year satisfaction levels ( f = 4.608, p = 0.029 and f = 4.571, p = 0.030). Conclusion: Altruism and compassion are mutually reinforcing values that work together to produce positive outcomes. In clinics staffed by nurses who embody these high moral principles, quality of care indicators show significant improvement.