Embedding compassionate care in local NHS practice: a realistic evaluation of the Leadership in Compassionate Care Programme

This thesis offers an original contribution to knowledge through providing a rigorous longitudinal examination of a complex intervention known as the ‘Leadership in Compassionate Care Programme’ (LCC) which was designed to embed compassionate care within local NHS practice in a large Health Board in Scotland. To date there has been little research into the impact of dedicated programmes aimed at enhancing compassionate care on an organisational basis. Through the use of Pawson and Tilley’s (1997) realistic evaluation framework this study takes the form of a critical exploration of what did and did not support a sustained focus on compassionate care within the participating settings. The findings have important…