Table 1 Elements of compassionate care (Level: I, individual; T, team; O, organisation)

Emotional Connection

Empathy for the patient

I

Helping the patient feel safe

I,T,O

Sitting with difficult feelings

I

Therapeutic touch

I

Sense of being valued

Prioritising patient care

I,T,O

Having a non-judgemental attitude towards the patient

I,T

Attention to the whole person

Active listening

I

Individualising care

I,T

Spending time with the patient

I

Working as a collective around the person

T

Understanding

Making sense of what is happening

I,T

Good Communication

Collaborating with the patient

I

Explaining what you are doing

I

Showing the patient that you care

I

Normalising distress

I

Authenticity and openness

I

Practical help/resources

Enabling patient independence

I,T

Offering practical help

I