There is an argument that compassion cannot be taught but if this was the case we would also not be able to measure compassion. I have already suggested that we can do this from my research with people who use healthcare services (Ghisoni 2016) and in other posts to this blog. However if compassion can be taught using education (Walker 2016) what skills do we need to develop our compassionate practice? I have reduced much of what I have read to three core skills to be in place for effective compassionate care to take place. They include Realxation, Reflection and Response. These skills are skills that are also essentail for demonstrating effective nursing care.

Relaxation

When we talk about relaxation we do not mean resting or going to sleep as this  would not be very helpful. It does mean being mindful of being in the moment of what you need to do to help other people.  This might mean finding the time and space to be able to listen to other people properly. Or training the mind to be able to focus and listen to what people are saying through meditation practices (See the evidence page for more information in this).

Reflection

This is important for  developing your understanding of what people are saying to you and to explore in more depth what they actually mean. This might mean asking questions and requires good communication skills. It also means reflecting upon what you know about the situation someone might be in and how they manage their illness. You might find from your reflection that you need to learn more about something and this will help you develop your professional skills and knowledge so that you can be a more competent compassionate practitioner.

Respond

Compassion is a doing word and therfore it is only in your response will  people  see your compassionate practice. This is also a good way of demonstrating compassionate practice in how you identify shared goals in your relaxed state, how you have reflected upon what you know can help and what you need to know and how you provide that help. Your response tells a person a lot about you, whether that is in your communication skills or in your actions.  Your response will always make visible  the invisible skills of compassionate care.