Person-centered care is widely recognized as best practice in Long Term Care Homes (LTCHs), yet its implementation remains uneven. Empathetic relational care is known to contribute to improved outcomes. Yet, care is organized around task-based, observable indicators, rendering relational aspects of care largely invisible within formal performance measurement systems. This study examines the paradox between the importance of empathetic, relational care in LTCHs and the Neoliberal systems which impact the ability to provide empathetic care. To investigate this paradox, this work draws on robust literature review of regulatory and organizational policies and how these policies contrast with the known benefits of empathetic care. A Feminist Political Economy framework is used to analyze how rigid Neoliberal accountability regimes shape the conditions under which empathy is enacted in everyday care. This work further explores how practitioners define empathetic care, navigate structural constraints and experience the influence of Neoliberal accountability systems. This assessment demonstrates that while practitioners view empathy as essential to high quality care, systemic pressures restrict opportunities for empathetic interactions. This study contributes to broader debates on care quality by revealing how macro level political economic forces shape micro level care interactions and highlights the need for policy reforms which support the relational dimensions of care in LTCHs. Findings underscore the need for further empirical study to measure the impact of empathy in LTCHs to inform future policy development.

Authors:
Sue Owen, York University, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Suzanne Marie (Sue) Owen is the President & CEO of the Canadian College of Health Leaders, a National Not-for-Profit member association that provides leadership development, teaching and training for healthcare leaders at all levels. T

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-owen-a9a6a817/

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