Learning lessons from the analysis of patient complaints relating to staff attitudes, behaviour and communication, using the concept of emotional labour

Objectives
This paper explores the content of letters of complaint by patients and carers about the behaviour, attitudes and communication of healthcare staff.

Background
The most common focus of patient complaints in the UK and other high-income countries is staff attitudes, behaviour and communication. There is a move to learn lessons from patient complaints which can be used to improve patient care and experience.

Methods
Fifty letters of complaint made by patients and carers relating to the behaviour, attitudes and communication of healthcare staff were analysed thematically.

Results
Poor attitudes, behaviours and communication have significant negative impact on the emotional wellbeing of patients and carers. Many patients and carers have heightened sensitivities due to both health related stresses and also other factors. The health care role is expected to include compassion and kindness. The concept of emotional labour is useful in explaining the skills and effort required of staff in this often invisible and undervalued aspect of health care.

Conclusions
Given the increasing focus on patient experience, it is important that the importance of good staff attitudes, behaviours and communication is understood and that the emotional labour associated with this is recognised.

Relevance to clinical practice
An understanding of emotional intelligence can protect staff from burnout and other negative outcomes which those in a caring role can experience.