From practical techniques to philosophical insights, delve into the heart of contemplative practices at this one day conference at St Christopher’s CARE.
Conference exploring solving pain ‘beyond medicine’ to be held at home of global hospice movement
- If doctors meditated could it lead to less fewer medical errors?
- Research shows mindfulness practices prevent burnout in medical professionals
St Christopher’s Centre for Awareness and Response to End of Life (CARE) is to hold a conference exploring the fast-growing practice of contemplative care.
Speakers include the NHS’ first ever humanist hospital chaplain as well as two zen Monks whose work has found that health professionals who practice meditation or mindfulness make fewer medical errors and higher patient satisfaction.
The Case for Contemplative Care, will take place at St Christopher’s CARE in London on 1 March and is to include keynote presentations from Sensei Chodo Robert Campbell and Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison – two leaders in contemplative care who draw on the teachings of both Buddhism and Dame Cicely Saunders.
Contemplative care is a fast-growing practice that supports people with life limiting conditions, focusing on the individual needs beyond traditional healthcare practices.
It’s inspired by the model of modern hospice care conceived by Dame Cicely Saunders – founder of St Christopher’s and pioneer of the global modern hospice movement.
Also speaking at the conference will be Lindsay de Wal, the NHS’ first ever humanist hospital chaplain, and Rachel Andrzejewska, a palliative care nurse turned art psychotherapist and spiritual companion. Buddhist palliative care chaplain, Nagasiddhi will be exhibiting his contemplative sculptures while St Christopher’s nurse and poet, Molly MacAllister, will also perform.
A study by The New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care found that when physicians and medical professionals began to incorporate contemplative practices into their lives such as meditation, reflective writing, and mindfulness, there were notable improvements in three key measures of burnout among medical professionals: decreased emotional exhaustion, decreased depersonalisation, and an increased sense of personal accomplishment.
The study says this could lead to fewer medical errors and higher patient satisfaction.
Sensei Koshin, who co-founded the NYZC, said: “The study’s findings have wide impact potential when considering physician well-being, fewer medical errors, higher patient satisfaction, and improved career longevity.
“This will have a tremendous impact on the medical community. It also addresses the root cause of the burnout by addressing loneliness, exhaustion, and anxiety with the medicine of contemplation, connection and community.
“We’re really excited to be sharing these findings and more at the home of the modern hospice movement in March. The Case for Contemplative Care promises to be an exciting day of learning and exploration.”
The conference will be led by by Mandy Bruce, St Christopher’s Psychological and Spiritual Lead, and Dr Rev Andrew Goodhead, Lead Chaplain at St Christopher’s. It’s aimed at all professionals and volunteers working in serious illness, palliative care or bereavement.
Mandy Bruce, St Christopher’s Psychological and Spiritual Lead said: “I am so excited that we at St Christopher’s CARE are embracing the discussion around Contemplative Care and welcoming a fascinating array of speakers and artists.
“Pain and suffering are experienced very uniquely by different people. This conference will bring people from across different areas together to explore how we can embrace this growing practice and approach.
“This is not just for chaplains and therapists, it is equally relevant to medics, allied health professionals and volunteers.”
“It is an approach that works across all faith and belief systems and works with the medical model.”
Lindsay de Wal, said: “I am excited about being invited to speak at the Contemplative Care Conference on March 1, 2024, hosted at St. Christopher’s CARE. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to share my insights and perspectives on the importance of contemplative care in the field of chaplaincy.
“Contemplative care holds a special place in my heart, as it provides a unique and holistic approach to addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals. In today’s fast-paced and often chaotic world, the significance of contemplation cannot be overstated. It offers a space for individuals to connect with their inner selves, explore profound questions, and find solace amidst life’s challenges.”
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About St Christopher’s CARE— https://www.stchristophers.org.uk/care
- St Christopher’s Centre for Awareness and Response to End of Life is located at St Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham. St Christopher’s was founded by Dame Cicely Saunders, who started the global modern hospice movement with the opening of St Christopher’s in 1967.
- St Christopher’s established a formal education programme to disseminate research alongside other aspects of good care in 1973.
- St Christopher’s CARE was opened in 2021 and is a state-of-the-art community and learning centre. Through professional learning and community training, we provide the knowledge and skills to support professionals and the wider public to explore living with dying and bereavement.
- Our three-storey centre incorporates a number of flexible learning spaces, including a lecture theatre, library (with free resources), digital support area, skills lab, bright meeting rooms and a fabulous roof garden.
- We are a charity, and we provide care and services free of charge. Though we are partially funded by the NHS, the majority of our running costs are very generously met by public donations. Each year, we need to raise at least £15million.
- Our vision is of a world in which all dying people and those close to them have access to care and support, whenever and wherever they need it.
- We strongly believe that everyone should have access to the best care at the end of their lives and through a blend of expert practice, education and research we work with people across the world to improve and develop hospice care.
- You can find our website by searching “stchristophers.org.uk” online, and we are also on social media – search @StChrisCARE on Twitter or @StChrisHospice on Instagram.
Contemplative care is fast-growing practice that supports people with life limiting/shortening conditions, and completely focuses on the individual needs beyond traditional healthcare practices.
Join us for a full-day conference as we reflect on just how important contemplative care is, as well as some of the challenges that may come with it.
Throughout this conference, we will be inspired by thought leaders, pioneers, and fellow practitioners who have harnessed the power of contemplative care to transform their own lives and the lives of those they serve.
Who is it for?
Anyone with an interest in palliative care, but is most relevant to:
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