Creating compassionate learning environments in midwifery Kim Russell Head of Midwifery Education University of Nottingham

Francis Report (2013) Failings Trust did not listen Deficiencies were not corrected No attempt to tackle an insidious culture of poor standards Disengagement from leadership and management responsibilities Confidence not maintained Warning signs Loss of corporate memory following reorganisation Outcomes other than patient care given a higher priority The system became the focus of activity, not the business of looking after patients

C X 6 = culture change COMPASSION “Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it”

Compassion.... Compassion is a feeling of pity or a warm, caring emotion that does not involve feeling, e.g. sadness if the other person is sad. Accompanies an active desire to alleviate another’s suffering. "People with a lot of empathy may need to change that to compassion so they don't get overwhelmed when confronted with suffering." (Solon, 2012)

Promoting compassionate learning environments ‘Staff need time to learn, to reflect and to re- energise and they need to be supported by organisations that promote compassionate and caring culture and values which dedicate time to valuing these’ (DoH, 2013)

What does compassion look like? Use facial expressions and body language that invite others to communicate (e.g., facing others, smiling, nodding head, open stance) Use touch when appropriate to provide reassurance, esteem, and belonging Express respect and appreciation for the contributions to patient care made by other team members Respond with positive feedback and support when others share feelings and uncertainties Apker, J. Propp, K.M. Zabava-Ford, W.S (2006) Journal of Professional Nursing, Vol 22, No 3 (May– June: pp

Creating compassionate learning environments: Ideas?

Encourage, stimulate and foster compassion Create supportive learning environments where compassion, and compassionate care flourish Provide students and staff with time to learn, to reflect and to practise compassionate care skills Create future leaders and researchers But…..this can only be achieved by working together….

Teaching and learning compassion ‘Trust and intimacy are required for compassion to flourish’ (Gregory, 1983) Case-holding Drama and creative arts Teaching of emotional intelligence Story telling Quality mentorship: ‘Mentoring the next generation of practitioners needs to be perceived as a privilege’ (Sir Ian Cummings, Chief Executive of Health Education Englan d)

‘The relationship between service and education colleagues needs, perhaps more than ever, to continue to be collaborative’. Bradshaw and Bagness (2010)