The importance of kindness in healthcare cannot be understated, as it has the potential to improve communication within health care teams and enhance patient care. Nicki Macklin, a doctoral student at the University of Auckland, has conducted research on kindness and defined it as action-oriented, positively focused, and purposeful. She emphasizes that kindness is rooted in civility and involves actions that show respect, generosity, openness, and inclusion.
In her study, Macklin distinguishes kindness from compassion and empathy, highlighting that kindness is a set of actions intended to help others flourish, regardless of their emotional states. She believes that kindness can be taught in medical education and integrated into the culture of healthcare teams and organizations. By promoting kindness within healthcare settings, communication can be improved, leading to better patient experiences of safety and trust.
Macklin’s research also points out the impact of unkindness within healthcare teams, such as rude manners and unclear communication, which have been identified as root causes of patient harm events in hospitals. Therefore, fostering a culture of kindness is not only a moral imperative but also a practical strategy for enhancing patient safety, engagement with healthcare services, and overall outcomes.
Moving forward, Macklin plans to further explore the role of kindness in healthcare through surveys and interviews with healthcare professionals globally. She hopes to advocate for kindness to be embedded as a fundamental principle in healthcare at all levels, emphasizing its positive impact on patient care.
In conclusion, kindness should be recognized as a serious tool for enhancing patient safety, experiences, and outcomes in healthcare settings. By prioritizing kindness in interactions within healthcare teams, we can create a more supportive and compassionate environment that ultimately benefits both healthcare providers and patients.
