We explored the relationships between potentially modifiable factors (mindfulness and self-compassion), intermediate factors (resilience and stress), and outcomes of interest in a cross-sectional study of medical trainees (compassionate care and clinician well-being). Among the 12 participants, the average age was 27.6 years. Mindfulness and self-compassion were positively associated with confi...

BACKGROUND Recent concerns about suboptimal patient care and a lack of compassion have prompted policymakers to question the preparedness of clinicians for the challenging environment in which they practice. Compassionate care is expected by patients and is a professional obligation of clinicians; however, little is known about the state of research on clinical compassion. The purpose of this s...

RATIONALE We believe that this study represents an innovative approach to clarifying the definitions of routine, empathic and compassionate health care, as well as of sympathy. We emphasize the importance of affective empathy and its intensification in the context of patient suffering (compassion), without abandoning the ideal of clinical equanimity. METHODS We develop a pedagogical model for...

There is an emerging consensus that caring and compassion are under threat in the frenetic environment of modern healthcare. Enabling and sustaining compassionate care requires not only a focus on the needs of the patient, but also on those of the care giver. As such, threats and exhortations to health professionals are likely to have limited and perverse effects and it is to the organisational...

Nurses' ability to provide compassionate care has come under increasing scrutiny in the light of reports criticising shortfalls in care. In response to this concern, three possible learning journeys that may encourage compassionate care are discussed. The learning journeys address issues relating to the conceptualisation of care and related learning. This article is aimed at nurses with an inte...

During the autumn of 2015, 21 Schwartz Rounds were held in England and Wales with the same topic: what makes a compassionate relationship between caregiver and patient? Participants explored themes such as the nature of compassion; what makes compassion difficult, and how to be compassionate, and the discussion within these themes and others are summarised. Many examples of compassionate behavi...

BACKGROUND Patient demand and clinician interest have driven professional training in integrative therapies, but few rigorous evaluations have been published. METHODS This project evaluated the proof of concept of training in acupressure, guided imagery, massage, and Reiki on clinicians' sense of self-efficacy in providing nondrug therapies, self-confidence in providing compassionate care, an...