DR COMPASSION

1. ‘Be alive to your internal world’ – don’t be afraid to take a minute to yourself as you have to manage your own capacity to tolerate distress just like anyone else.
2. ‘Support the development of systems at work that give you and your colleagues a space to reflect on what you are doing’.
3. ‘Remember that patients are usually in distress’ – they must be treated as human beings as opposed to a mere diagnosis.
4. ‘Model compassionate behaviour for trainees and other members of staff’ – one must aim to be a role model for others.
5. ‘If there is system problem, do not work around it or ignore it’ – addressing such problems is an inherent duty of the workforce.
6. ‘If there is a problem with someone else’s behaviour or attitude, challenge it appropriately’.
7. ‘Make sure training activities foster the right behaviour and values among trainees’.
8. ‘Respect systems but think of people and relationships’ – emphasising more face to face communication with colleagues to harvest stronger working relationships.
9. ‘Make the patient in front of you your primary concern’ – they are the main reason you are there!
10. ‘Pay attention and be respectful’ – turn off distractions such as phones or tablets when consulting.