The Origins of the 6 Cs
To truly understand what are the 6 health core care values, it is important to know their history. The '6 Cs' framework was introduced in 2012 by Jane Cummings, the Chief Nursing Officer for NHS England, as part of the Compassion in Practice strategy. This was a direct response to concerns over declining care quality and a perceived lack of compassionate care in some healthcare settings. The goal was to re-emphasize the human element of caregiving and provide a clear, memorable set of values for all healthcare and social care professionals to follow. While initially developed for the UK health system, the principles are widely regarded as universal and have been adopted by healthcare organizations and educators worldwide.
Unpacking Each of the 6 Health Core Care Values
Each of the 6 Cs represents a vital component of compassionate, high-quality care. When practiced together, they create a comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare.
1. Care
At its essence, care is the central principle of the healthcare profession. It is the foundation upon which all other values are built. This goes beyond just treating an illness; it's about providing holistic support that addresses a person's physical, emotional, and psychological needs. A caregiver demonstrating this value will focus on the individual, ensuring the support they receive is appropriate for their specific situation and stage of life. This includes prevention, health promotion, and intervention, all working toward a positive and dignified patient experience.
2. Compassion
Compassion is the art of giving care with empathy, respect, and dignity. Often described as "intelligent kindness," it involves truly understanding and connecting with a patient's experience to lessen their distress. When healthcare professionals show genuine concern and emotional intelligence, they build trust with patients and their families. This trust is critical for creating a healing environment where patients feel safe, heard, and respected.
3. Competence
Competence is the possession of the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to deliver effective and high-quality care. It is the ethical duty of all care providers to maintain and continuously update their professional abilities to reflect the latest evidence and research. This commitment to lifelong learning ensures that patients receive safe, effective, and up-to-date treatments. It gives patients confidence that they are in capable hands and that decisions regarding their health are based on sound clinical judgment.
4. Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful caring relationship and effective teamwork. This involves not only clearly conveying information to patients and colleagues but also, and crucially, actively listening. For patients, it ensures they are included in decisions about their own care, upholding the principle of "no decision about me without me". For healthcare teams, strong communication prevents errors and fosters a culture of trust and collaboration, which ultimately benefits the patient.
5. Courage
Courage in healthcare is the strength to do the right thing for patients, even when it is difficult. It means having the personal and professional fortitude to speak up when there are concerns about patient care or safety. Courage also involves the willingness to embrace innovative practices and challenge outdated methods to drive positive change within the healthcare system. It is the bravery required to be an advocate for those who are vulnerable.
6. Commitment
Commitment is the dedication to providing consistently high-quality care and to the continuous improvement of services. It reflects a deep dedication to the well-being of patients and the broader community. Committed healthcare professionals strive to go beyond the basic requirements of their job, embracing opportunities for professional development and helping to build a more effective and compassionate care environment.
Comparison: Personal vs. Professional Application
The 6 Cs are applicable to all aspects of health and social care, from the frontline clinician to administrative staff. However, how they manifest can vary slightly depending on the context.
| Value | How it applies professionally | How it benefits the individual |
|---|---|---|
| Care | Implementing patient-centered treatment plans and ensuring consistent service delivery. | The patient feels safe, supported, and that their needs are being met throughout their care journey. |
| Compassion | Treating patients with empathy and dignity, and actively listening to their concerns. | The patient feels respected, understood, and a human connection with their caregiver, easing anxiety. |
| Competence | Keeping clinical skills and knowledge up-to-date with the latest evidence. | The patient has confidence and trust that they are receiving the most effective and safest treatment. |
| Communication | Clearly explaining diagnoses and treatment options, and ensuring the patient is involved in decisions. | The patient feels informed, included, and empowered in managing their own health and care. |
| Courage | Speaking up against unsafe practices or advocating for a patient’s best interests. | The patient is confident that their best interests are being served and that their advocate will fight for them. |
| Commitment | Demonstrating a sustained dedication to the patient's well-being and the quality of care provided. | The patient experiences consistent, high-quality care from dedicated professionals who are invested in their positive outcome. |
Integrating Core Values for a Better Healthcare Experience
The ultimate goal of integrating the 6 Cs is to create a healthcare system that is not only clinically effective but also deeply compassionate and respectful of human dignity. For individuals, understanding these values can help set expectations and empower them to advocate for themselves and their loved ones. For healthcare professionals and organizations, they provide a powerful ethical framework to guide practice, enhance patient satisfaction, and foster a more positive and resilient workforce.
The 6 health core care values offer a timeless reminder that at the heart of medicine lies human connection. As healthcare continues to evolve, these foundational principles will remain essential for ensuring that care is delivered with kindness, skill, and unwavering dedication.
For more in-depth research on the Compassion in Practice strategy, you can explore the official resources available from the NHS website.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of the 6 Cs
The 6 health core care values—Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment—are far more than just a list of professional attributes. They represent a fundamental shift in healthcare, away from a purely clinical focus and toward a patient-centered model. By prioritizing empathy and genuine connection alongside clinical expertise, these values help to build trust, improve patient outcomes, and ensure a higher standard of care for everyone involved. Their legacy is a reminder that true healing comes from a combination of professional skill and human warmth.
