Abstract Introduction Kindness in healthcare is a critical priority for improving care quality and patient outcomes. Understanding the factors that contribute to kindness toward patients and families is essential. The study explores the influence of sociodemographic factors and previous interactions with healthcare on perceptions of kindness toward patients and kin from multiple perspectives. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed to assess kindness of care across stakeholders. Kindness of care was surveyed through the Flanders Quality Model (FlaQuM)-Quickscan tool. A convenience sample of 24 Flemish hospitals was used. Descriptive analyses and linear regression analyses were used to determine in-hospital kindness to patients and kin using a multistakeholder approach; patients, kin and healthcare professionals' perspectives. Significance was declared at alpha less than 0.05. All analyses were carried out using SAS software. Results A total of 14,114 respondents participated. "Kindness of care" was less likely to be reported by females, individuals who have been hospitalized several times and admitted to the emergency department, as well as healthcare workers. Kindness of care was significantly higher for elderly patients and their families. Family members who work in healthcare perceive kindness less. Those with more than 10 years' experience, nurses, managers, and female healthcare professionals reported kindness less frequently. Conversely, older healthcare professionals, nurses, and physicians reported kindness more often. Conclusions The study illustrates disparities in perceptions of kindness. Fostering civility and kindness is essential. Education and policy could address the disparities. Research should focus on interventions that promote sustained kindness.
Massad et al. (Thu,) studied this question.