The rebirth of wisdom and compassion in healthcare – November 2014

JF trustee, Dr Craig Brown, attended and presented at the sixth annual conference, jointly hosted by the Scientific and Medical Network and the British Holistic Medical Association, in Cashel in November 2013. The purpose was for delegates and presenters to explore how science supports the practice of compassionate care.

Four academics, all still working in healthcare, with a presence on the internet, shared their research. Craig reflected on it:

“In essence their extensive research and experience supports a reflective and spiritual approach, and the use of spiritual tools as described in VIHASA. Reflection alone benefits health care workers; specifically, positive thinking and appreciation reduce negative thinking, non-critical listening enhances therapeutic outcomes, and meditation brings calm and reduces burnout. Creativity is invaluable when seeking new solutions and playfulness raises morale. This is all relatively new research yet it is a wisdom that has been known for several thousand years.”

The presenters included Chris Irons, a clinical psychologist, Dr Penny Campling the author of Intelligent Kindness; Dr Alastair Dobbin, now a retired general practitioner, who teaches positive skills in primary care and Dr Margaret Hannah, a consultant in public health in Fife, Scotland, an advocate for bringing relationships to the forefront of future health services.

The following year, JF publishing consultant Jan Alcoe addressed the conference which was entitled: ‘Compassionate approaches to healing our inner pain and spirit’. She spoke to an enthusiastic audience about LYS exercises and the spiritual tools as a self-help resource for patients and staff.