@article{01JDHCQQCP2A7KSS33JKPCC5A8,
  abstract     = {{Background: Compassionate communities have been put forward as a promising model for community-based support for people facing serious illness, caregiving, dying, and loss. In particular, educational institutions are increasingly acknowledged as potential settings to function as compassionate schools and compassionate workplaces, cultivating acceptance and validation of these experiences beyond the university setting.Objectives: This paper investigates the activities and outcomes of a compassionate community initiative-the Compassionate University program at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium.Design: Ripple Effects Mapping was used to guide the focus group and individual interviews conducted with core team members responsible for the development and implementation of the Compassionate University program.Methods: During the focus group and individual interviews, the core team members reflected on the program contributions, with their narratives visually depicted via a hand-drawn mind map. Qualitative data derived from this mind map were entered into XMIND mapping software and fine-tuned based on the focus group and individual interview transcripts and additional project records.Results: Thematic analysis identified four outcome areas that encapsulate the key contributions of the Compassionate University program: (i) increased acceptance and integration of topics such as serious illness, death, and bereavement into existing practices; (ii) broader support for and formalization of compassionate procedures and policies; (iii) emergence of informal networks and internal collaboration on the topics; and (iv) diffusion of compassionate ideas beyond the university.Conclusion: The Compassionate University program facilitates a cultural shift within the university environment, fostering greater acceptance of integrating topics such as serious illness, death, and bereavement into existing practices. Additionally, compassionate procedures and policies for students and staff have been formalized, and core team members are increasingly called upon to provide support on these matters. Notably, Compassionate University stands out as one of the pioneering initiatives in Europe, attracting different educational institutions seeking guidance on cultivating a more compassionate environment.}},
  articleno    = {{26323524241272110}},
  author       = {{Bakelants, Hanne and Dury, Sarah and Chambaere, Kenneth and De Donder, Liesbeth and Deliens, Luc and Vanderstichelen, Steven and Marynissen, Silke and Cohen, Joachim and Van Droogenbroeck, Filip}},
  issn         = {{2632-3524}},
  journal      = {{PALLIATIVE CARE & SOCIAL PRACTICE}},
  keywords     = {{compassionate communities,Compassionate University,public health palliative care,Ripple Effects Mapping,OF-LIFE CARE,PALLIATIVE CARE,END,COMMUNITIES,INITIATIVES,PROGRESS,GRIEF,EoLC}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  pages        = {{14}},
  title        = {{Mapping the ripple effects of a compassionate university for serious illness, death, and bereavement}},
  url          = {{http://doi.org/10.1177/26323524241272110}},
  volume       = {{18}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}

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