Ensuring kindness and respect are part of systems and processes
| In the complexity of healthcare, it is apparent that respect, compassion and kindness are essential components to develop safe, effective and person-centred care clinical teams. The concept of kindness is not new, it is fundamental to care in many cultures eg in India and across Africa. Recently the focus on kindness has grown in upper-income countries; for example, in Leuven, Belgium, a programme called Mangomoments has focused on facilitating unexpected small acts of kindness by healthcare workers to patients in their care.37 Research on the acts of kindness demonstrated improved patient and family experience, which also facilitated adherence to therapy and led to a positive perception on the healing process.38 Trust between care giver and care receiver was enhanced. There were positive effects for professionals, including joy in work, less risk of burnout and the development of a positive work environment.39 This, in turn, facilitates psychological safety.38 |