Locals on the Hibiscus Coast may be interested to learn about recent research that defines kindness in a healthcare setting.

A researcher at the University of Auckland has developed a definition of kindness through a structured analysis of published research papers.

Nicki Macklin, a doctoral student in the School of Population Health, found that kindness is action-oriented, positively focused and purposeful in nature.

Macklin explains that kindness is built on a foundation of civility and respect.

"When we get into conflict, it's a mindset and an approach where you are actively maintaining that other person's respect through the ways you are choosing to respond," she says.

Macklin's research highlights the importance of distinguishing kindness from compassion and empathy.

While these terms are often used interchangeably, kindness can exist regardless of other people's emotional states and can be taught in medical education.

The researcher believes that kindness can be embedded in the culture of healthcare teams and organisations, leading to improved communication and patient care.

"This is something practical that we can measure and expect, for example, in medical education, in policies or in organisations," Macklin says.

Macklin's interest in kindness was sparked by her own experiences with the healthcare system when her child was unwell.

She observed that kindness within healthcare teams had a significant impact on patient safety and trust.

The researcher's next steps include publishing further studies on kindness in healthcare, involving surveys and interviews with healthcare professionals globally.

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