The effectiveness of a caring protocol: An evaluation study

Abstract Caring has long been affirmed as the essence in nursing. A caring protocol was developed to enhance professional caring and served as a tool to establish a caring culture within a cluster of hospitals. The protocol encompasses three essential elements of professional caring: image, attitude and behaviour. It aims to assess the effectiveness of the protocol in two convalescent hospitals with the objectives to: (1) gain the responses from patients and relatives and (2) explore the feedback from nursing and supporting staff. A mixed method was adopted: a pre- and post-test design and focus group interviews. Nursing and supporting staff from 18 wards were recruited for the study using the caring protocol in two convalescent hospitals. A positive response was obtained from patients and relatives after the implementation of the protocol. Nursing and supporting staff appreciated the implementation process, which could enhance caring. Valuable suggestions were also gathered to maintain the caring culture in wards. The caring protocol is an effective way in enhancing professional caring in hospitals shown by the positive responses from patients and relatives. The protocol was also well accepted by nursing and supporting staff and had a significant impact demonstrated on supporting staff.