The 6Cs are the values which underpin Compassion in Practice, the national strategy for nurses, midwives and care staff, which was launched in December 2012. Since then a significant programme of work through six action areas has created a momentum across the country which has recognised the very crucial role that organisational culture plays in determining the experience of patients and users of services.
In Compassion in Practice the 6Cs are defined as:
Care
Care is our core business and that of our organisations and the care we deliver helps the individual person and improves the health of the whole community. Caring defines us and our work. People receiving care expect it to be right for them, consistently, throughout every stage of their life.
Compassion
Compassion is how care is given through relationships based on empathy, respect and dignity - it can also be described as intelligent kindness, and is central to how people perceive their care.
Competence
Competence means all those in caring roles must have the ability to understand an individual’s health and social needs and the expertise, clinical and technical knowledge to deliver effective care and treatments based on research and evidence.
Communication
Communication is central to successful caring relationships and to effective team working. Listening is as important as what we say and
do and essential for ‘no decision about me without me’. Communication is the key to a good workplace with benefits for those in our care and staff alike.
Courage
Courage enables us to do the right thing for the people we care for, to speak up when we have concerns and to have the personal strength and vision to innovate and to embrace new ways of working.
Commitment
A commitment to our patients and populations is a cornerstone of what we do. We need to build on our commitment to improve the care and experience of our patients, to take action to make this vision and strategy a reality for all and meet the health, care and support challenges ahead.
