But what does it mean to us? Radiographic patients and carer perceptions of compassion

An increased focus on compassion was one of the recommendations in the Francis Report following an inquiry into failures of care at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust in 2010. Responses to the Francis report did not take up the question of what compassion meant and how its recommendations might be meaningfully implemented in radiography practice. As part of two wider doctoral research studies, the findings presented in this paper reveal patients and carers perspectives of how compassionate care is experienced, based on an exploration of their experiences, views and attitudes in order to better understand its meaning and application in radiographic practice.

A constructivist approach was taken with appropriate ethical approval. Using a combination of interviews, focus groups, co-production workshops and online discussion forums the authors explored the experiences and opinions of patients and carers about compassion in radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging. Data were transcribed and analysed thematically.

The thematically mapped findings are presented under four sub-themes: The values of caring vs the 'business' values of the NHS, Person-centred care, Characteristics of the radiographer and Compassion in the radiographer-patient interaction.

Looking at compassion through a patient's lens has highlighted how person-centred care consists of components not attributable to radiographers alone. The personal values of a radiographer must not only align with those of the profession they seek to join, but the value placed on compassion must also be reflected in the environment in which they practice. Alignment signifies patients are part of a compassionate culture.

Equal emphasis should be placed on both technical and caring practices in order to stop the profession being perceived as target-driven, rather than one which ensures patients are at the heart of practice.