Beyond principles: Virtue ethics in hospice and palliative care

Abstract

Living ethically in the face of death is a major challenge for the ill person, the family, and the hospice staff. Beyond the recognized need for ethical decision-making regarding medical principles, there are decisions about character for all involved: “What kind of person will I be?” “What kind of family will we be?” “What kind of caregiver will I be?” “What kind of community will we be?” This article is a discussion of virtues that are appropriate in hospice staff and volunteers: compassion/empathy, faithfulness, justice/advocacy, and practical wisdom. The author calls for a wider sharing of their knowledge and experience.