Compassion in Health Care

Course content:

This course focuses on developing knowledge about compassion in nursing and skills in the practice of compassionate care, through a theoretical approach based on the latest scientific evidence. The aim is to provide a comprehensive approach to the philosophical and historical foundations of compassion, the evolution of the concept of compassion in the context of contemporary nursing, theories and models of “human caring”, formative experiences and development of teaching in nursing training, and the promotion of interventions that promote compassion in health care.

Learning outcomes:

  • To critically analyze the concept of compassion in nursing, and distinguish it from relatable constructs such as sympathy, empathy or humanization.
  • To understand Roach’s care model and the C’s, identifying their relevance to clinical practice and the promotion of quality health care.
  • To identify barriers and/or obstacles, as well as facilitating factors for the implementation of compassionate practices.
  • To evaluate pedagogical interventions that strengthen compassionate attitudes and behaviors in nursing students and professionals.
  • To reflect on methodologies that can contribute to the sustainability of passive care in health care organizations.

Objectives:

  • Promote understanding of the theoretical and historical foundations of compassion in nursing, highlighting the interconnection between ethical values, clinical practice and professional training.
  • To provide instruments and approaches to assess compassion in the health care context, recognizing the cultural and individual specificities of health professionals.
  • Develop pedagogical skills that foster the teaching of compassionate attitudes in nurses and nursing students.
  • To enable the implementation of innovative strategies for compassionate care practices.
  • To encourage critical reflection on compassionate professional practice and its importance in alleviating suffering.

Teaching language: English.

1. Mode of delivery: online live and online self-study.

2. Learning resources and tools: all support materials (PPT from the synchronous lectures, articles, videos and supporting documents) will be uploaded on the virtual platform and will be provided by the professor.

Units:

  1. Historical evolution of compassion from a religious, cultural and care perspective
  2. Conceptualization of compassion and compassionate care
  3. Simone Roach’s theoretical framework and compassion in nursing care
  4. Measurement of compassion
  5. The development of compassion in nursing education
  6. Promotion of compassionate care in nurses and other health professionals
  7. Compassion in the organizational culture of health care institutions

Timetable:

Live sessions every two Tuesdays from 7 Oct 2025 to 20 Jan 2026 (15:00-17:00 CET)

  • EUNICE student: enrolled as a student (Bachelor) in one of the universities of EUNICE European University consortium (check universities here).
  • English level: B2.

Study Level: Bachelor

  • Submit your application via the button ‘Apply Now’.
  • Please keep in mind that the number of participants could be limited for each course. Application does not guarantee enrolment in the course.
  • The course participants will be selected based on criteria specified in the study guide.
  • Your home university will inform you whether you have been accepted and provide further information about the next steps.

Specific instructions in some universities:

  • BTU students: for questions about enrolment and recognition at your university, you can visit this website.
  • UPHF students: make sure to ask the approval of your director of studies (responsable pédagogique) before applying. For any question, you can contact the EUNICE office: eunice@uphf.fr
  • UoP students: for questions about enrolment and recognition please consult  the responsible person at your university (Director of Studies or ECTS coordinator) or contact eunice@go.uop.gr
  • IPV students: for questions about enrolment and recognition, please contact rafaela.silva@sc.ipv.pt

Any questions about enrolment or credit recognition?  Contact your EUNICE courses coordinator.

Caring, the human mode of being.

Study Level
Bachelor
Applications deadline
15 September 2025
Dates
7 October - 20 January, 2026

Live sessions every two Tuesdays from 7 Oct 2025 to 20 Jan 2026 (15:00-17:00 CET)

Accreditation
3 ECTS
Mode
Online live