Die bydrae van ’n haalbare gasvryheids- en ontmoetingsetiek in die etiese versorging van gesondheidsorgwerkers

Abstract

The authors of this study advocate for the contribution a double ethic of hospitality and engagement can make towards the ethical care of healthcare workers. Their contribution is based on two studies in healthcare. The South African case outlines challenges with regard to resources, communication and expectations. The Belgium case study draws attention to the traditional approach and suggests a new paradigm, namely to respect the patient as subject and therefore the importance of meeting the patient in his/her situation. Both cases sensitise the reader to the ethical vulnerability of the healthcare worker suggesting that a double ethic of hospitality and engagement is needed to address this challenge. The question of ethical coaching is addressed via a real life example in which the healthcare workers are placed in a simulation laboratory and then treated as “patients” by other healthcare workers. This simulation gives insight into the real needs of patients and how healthcare workers should care for them.