Chapter 2: The Caring Response

What is the goal of professional ethics?

To arrive at a caring response

what is meant by “a caring response”?

• acknowledgement of their humanity

• learning about more than their illness

• acceptance of differences

• unconditional positive regard

• empathy to look through each others eyes

what is a caring response?

• more than scientific knowledge

• more than skills

• more than attitude

caring response defined

a conscious, intentional decision to interact with
others with compassion, mutual respect, and open and
honest communication

factors that influence a caring response

• technical competence

• professional responsibility and rights

• social determinants of a caring response

technical competence

professional responsibility = accountability+responsiveness

Professional responsibility and rights

Relationship within healthcare

Social determinants of a caring response

• Cultural differences

• justice with limited resource

What are some ways communication can help or hinder the caring response?

• language

• tone of voice

• body language

• be aware of cultural differences

burdens of a caring response

• Not performing to high standards established for oneself

• Unreasonably high expectations

• Uncooperative patients

• Feelings of responsibility for things that go wrong

• Caring too much

• Pretending to care

benefits of a caring response

• Moral and professional satisfaction

• Self-fulfillment

• Achieving your goals

patient rights

• Respect from those in healthcare system

• Clean and welcoming environment

• High quality care

• Confidentiality of sensitive information

• Shared decision making

• Truthful information about one’s condition

health professionals rights

• Respect from patient

• Relevant information necessary for treatment

• Freedom to exercise clinical best judgement

• Fair payment