What is the focus of virtue ethics in healthcare?

Virtue ethics in healthcare emphasizes the importance of the character and virtues of the clinician. This ethical approach focuses on the moral qualities and traits that a healthcare provider should embody, such as compassion, integrity, courage, and empathy. It posits that a good clinician is not only skilled in their profession but also possesses the right character traits that contribute to ethical decision-making and the overall quality of care they provide.

This perspective encourages healthcare professionals to develop their character and cultivate virtues in a way that promotes the well-being of their patients and the community. In contrast to other ethical frameworks that might focus primarily on the outcomes of actions, adherence to rules and duties, or the overall good of the population, virtue ethics prioritizes the individual's moral character as a foundation for ethical practice in healthcare settings.