Table 1 Underpinning values and principles

Underlying values

 • Build on the assets that HCAs already bring to the provision of relational care

 • Team support is vital

 • Celebrate achievement

 • The importance of small actions

 • The power of communication

Delivery principles

 • Protected time

 • Face-to-face learning

 • Online resources provided for reference

 • Layered curriculum approach [21] where the three units were introduced on day 1 and built on in day 2 the following week with a take home reflective exercise to do in-between

Instructional Design

 • Clear take-home messages

 • Real life examples

 • Emphasis on learner interaction

 • Practical learning exercises

 • Encourage empathy through simulation