Currently submitted to: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Oct 17, 2025
Open Peer Review Period: Oct 17, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
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Developing a shared understanding of humanism: Protocol for critical review, empirical exploration and modified e-Delphi study.
ABSTRACT
Background:
Humanism is central to healthcare professionalism but remains poorly defined and inconsistently applied. Amid growing system pressures and dehumanization, this study aims to develop consensus-based conceptual and operational definitions of humanism to support education, evaluation, practice, and policy.
Objective:
This study aims to formulate consensus-based conceptual and operational definitions of humanism in healthcare, based on the combination of theorical perspectives and experience and expertise of clinician-educators, students, and members of the public.
Methods:
A two-phase mixed-methods design will be implemented to ensure both methodological rigor and analytical depth. Phase I will involve a critical review of the literature, systematically analyzed using content analysis. Concurrently, focus groups will be conducted with learners, clinician educators, and members of the public. The qualitative data generated will undergo thematic analysis to elucidate both theoretical and experiential dimensions of humanism in healthcare. To enhance transparency and epistemological reflexivity, a reflective journal will be maintained throughout the research process. Phase II will employ a modified e-Delphi technique, engaging a panel of interdisciplinary experts in iterative rounds to refine and validate key statements. This approach will reinforce construct validity and facilitate consensus-building.
Results:
This project is funded by the Research Chair in Compassion Science at the Université de Sherbrooke and supported by the Office of Social Accountability. Scientific evaluation and ethical approval were obtained on May 12, 2025 (Project #2025-4885). As of September 30, the selection of papers for the critical literature review is currently underway, results will be submitted for publication in Winter 2026. Recruitment for the focus groups is scheduled to begin in October 2025. A modified e-Delphi study is planned to begin in Spring 2026, and the results will be submitted for publication in Open Access journals.This project is funded by the Research Chair in Compassion Science at the Université de Sherbrooke and supported by the Office of Social Accountability. Scientific evaluation and ethical approval were obtained on May 12, 2025 (Project #2025-4885). As of September 30, the selection of papers for the critical literature review is currently underway, results will be submitted for publication in Winter 2026. Recruitment for the focus groups is scheduled to begin in October 2025. A modified e-Delphi study is planned to begin in Spring 2026, and the results will be submitted for publication in Open Access journals.
Conclusions:
This study will produce a validated conceptual and operational definition of humanism in healthcare, grounded in both theory and lived experience. These definitions will support the harmonization of educational practices, the development of assessment tools, and the integration of humanistic values into health policy.
Citation
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