• About the AuthorsIntroductionPart 1 Fundamentals of Communication for Compassionate Practice1 Essential Values for Communication, Compassion and Collaborative CareThe importance of communication and remaining compassionateRespect and dignityThe centrality and complexity of communication in the therapeutic relationship2 Essential Communication Skills: Building Blocks for Good CommunicationNon-verbal, verbal and written communication: listening, questioning, record keeping, electronic prescribingProfessional communication, professional identity, and social and professional mediaThe use of reflection on practice3 The Role of Attachment Theory and Cognition in Influencing BehaviourThe role of cognitionAttachment theoryUnderstanding attachment, cognition and practice4 Enabling Positive Health BehaviourChanging patterns of ill health and health educationMotivational interviewing and health behaviour changeThe role of emotional intelligence and mindfulnessConclusion to Part 1Part 2 Communication Skills in Practice5 Communicating to Help Health Service Users Understand and Deal with their ConditionThe importance of psychosocial careCommunicating with anxious or distressed patientsCommunicating with those with long-term conditions to help change behaviour6 Communication for Mental Health: Understanding the Effects of StigmaWhat is stigma?Avoiding stigmatising communication within general settingsLooking past diagnoses to achieve person-centred care within mental health services7 Communicating with People with Cognitive DeficitsCommunicating with people with intellectual disabilityCommunicating with people who have dementia8 Communicating with Children, Young People and FamiliesCommunicating within the context of the familyHow development affects communicationStereotyping young people9 Communicating with Middle-aged and Older PeopleFeatures associated with ageing in contemporary societySpecific challenges in middle and older ageOvercoming stereotyping and stigma10 Integrating Mindful Communication Skills for Complex EncountersWorking with distress and angerBreaking bad newsCommunicating with people with life-limiting and end-of-life conditionsConclusion to Part 2Part 3 Equipping for the Future: Theoretical and Ethical Issues11 Communicating Authentically in OrganisationsOrganisations, culture, communication and leadershipThe importance of self in leadershipAuthentic self and authentic leadership12 Maintaining Positive Values in Communication and Caring for Self and OthersThe emotional challenges of transitioning to qualified nurse statusSustaining and enhancing ethical and compassionate communication in difficult circumstancesLearning from the past13 Communication Theory, Reflective and Ethical Practice in the ‘Swampy Lowlands’The importance of communication theoryCommunication, reflective and ethical practiceCommunication theory that informs and enables reflection on ethical practice in healthcareConclusion to Part 3Index

′Gault et al have grasped the nettle of the impact of burnout, desensitisation, Francis and Winterbourne View on healthcare and offer a comprehensive toolkit of skills to breathe the fresh air of compassionate communication back into practice. I heartily recommend this text to all healthcare students and seasoned professionals alike.′