University study is to explore the gentleness of hospice staff

THE staff at St Ann’s Hospice are teaming up with the University of Manchester to research the importance of gentleness in patient care.

Professor David Holman, Professor Leo McCann, Dr Clare Mumford from Alliance Manchester Business School, and Dr Maurice Nagington from the Division of Nursing, are conducting a project to study how gentleness is fostered by organisations.

Prof Holman said: “Gentleness is a form of care-giving about which relatively little is known, but as anyone who has been a patient themselves will understand, being treated gently can be an extremely important and valued part of the care received. From our research, we know that the level of care provided by St Ann’s is excellent and we were able to observe many instances of staff and volunteers being gentle by caring for patients in an unhurried, warm, friendly and compassionate manner.

“We’re really interested to learn more about what that means to those being cared for, and we hope that the results will help other organisations apply some of the same techniques, where appropriate.”

The study will include extensive daily observations during the hospice’s day care sessions.

Rachel McMillan, deputy chief executive and director of clinical services at St Ann’s, said: “Feedback we receive from our patients and their loved ones shows that the professional, kind and gentle approach we apply to their care is greatly appreciated and has a huge impact on their experience in the hospice. We’re looking forward to seeing the results of the study and, as a local business, it’s a pleasure to collaborate with experts from the university in this way.”