Gratitude in healthcare: analytical ethnography
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Expression and reception of gratitude in healthcare: analytical ethnography
IRAS ID
275959
Contact name
Giskin Day
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
Gratitude is an emotion essential to supporting communicative human relationships. The aim of this study is to explore how gratitude is expressed and received in healthcare. Expressions of gratitude form a significant source of patient feedback but they are often overlooked or played down. A supportive culture in the workplace has been shown to be a good predictor of patient satisfaction, and staff wellbeing is linked to quality of care. The phase of the project being applied for here is for an analytical ethnographic study which will explore the ways in which gratitude is expressed and received at the Royal Brompton Hospital. Observations will be made of exchanges of gratitude between patients and visitors with members of staff but also between staff members when they communicate with each other on the wards. If appropriate and if circumstances permit, observations may be followed up with conversations to explore views and opinions. The study is expected to consist of approximately 30 half-day observation sessions over a period of nine months.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NE/0143
Date of REC Opinion
4 Mar 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion