A four phase Delphi process was conducted: (1) Literature review of contemporary research in the field (2) Engaging stakeholders with an open ended questionnaire (n=9); (3) content analysis of open ended questionnaire results and synthesis with literature to form Round 2 questionnaire; (4) gaining consensus on key characteristics of the expression and receipt of compassion via a two round Delphi approach (Round 1 n=8; Round 2 n=6)