The Influence of The Sensory Processing Sensitivity Trait on The Perception of Invisible Care: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Invisible or humanized care (High-Touch) is inherent to the nursing profession. Professionals with sensory processing sensitivity perceive and process more sensory information simultaneously and more deeply than usual, which may be more closely linked to invisible care. Objective: To analyze the influence of sensory processing sensitivity on nursing professionals' perception of invisible care. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study. Seventy-nine professionals from a level III hospital completed an online form assessing various situations encountered by nursing staff in their daily practice related to the different dimensions of invisible care (Care-Q) and the sensory processing sensitivity temperament trait (HSPS). Results: Showed that 15% (12) of nursing professionals were highly sensitive. A statistically significant relationship was also found between the components of invisible care and the overall Care-Q score for professionals in general and for highly sensitive professionals. The invisible care component "maintains a trusting relationship" with the HSPS overall (ρ = 0.224), but no significant correlations were observed when professionals were identified as highly sensitive with scores ≥ 160 points with the different Care-Q components. Conclusion: The perception of invisible care is inherent to the nursing profession and is not strongly influenced by the SPS trait. Therefore, invisible care is an essential component of nursing practice.