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A critical analysis of Compassion in Practice

Belinda Dewar Professor of practice improvement, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton

Yvonne Christley Lecturer, University of the West of Scotland, Ayr

Compassion in Practice is a policy introduced in England to develop a culture of compassionate practice among healthcare staff. There is widespread recognition and agreement of the importance of compassionate practice, and the policy offers a vision underpinned by a desirable set of values. In this article, the significance of a coherent vision is explored and is followed by discussion of the need to anchor the policy vision in values that are important to healthcare staff. The policy’s approach to vision and values may generate tensions, which are also examined and discussed.

Nursing Standard. 28, 10, 46-50. doi: 10.7748/ns2013.11.28.10.46.e7828

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Received: 01 May 2013

Accepted: 04 June 2013

Keywords :

Care - commitment - communication - compassion - competence - courage - nursing practice - nursing values - quality assurance - quality care