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We have to start by building a more compassionate society

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How best to strengthen compassion in healthcare has become a controversial subject, especially when governments attempt to 'implement' compassion through policy and regulation. This case study describes a workshop, designed according to principles of appreciative inquiry, which elicits stories of deep connection and caring, and uncovers the hidden strengths of the workshop participants. This re-connection to purposes generates positive energy and motivates people to strengthen their own caring and compassion. Participants are reminded of the values, hopes and aspirations that brought them into healthcare. Experience with this 'Reawakening Purpose' workshop in the UK, the USA, Australia and New Zealand shows it to be a transformative process for health professionals, even for those suffering from stress or burnout. It can be completed in 60 to 90 minutes and so is easily fitted into the working day. This workshop is a key process for inducting followers into an international social movement for compassionate, human-centred healthcare: 'Hearts in Healthcare'. It's argued that this grassroots approach to strengthening compassion may be much more effective than any top-down policy or regulation.

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