The ethical principles for The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) closely relates to my volunteer work for a local hospice program. In my role as a hospice volunteer, I provide respite care, social contact, companionship, and/or assistance with transportation, errands or other activities. I am part of a hospice team. "The hospice team consists of medical directors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, volunteers, bereavement counselors and others who support the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families." While some team members may follow principles specific to their profession, the NHPCO has a set of principles we all are to follow as well. Below are the ethical principles of the NHPCO have been provided.
On a related note, the local hospice program where I volunteer makes it very clear to their hospice volunteers, "A volunteer must be able to enter a home without judgment or a need to impose their belief systems". For me this statement has served as a reminder, as its application is not solely limited to my volunteer work.
THE NATIONAL HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE ORGANIZATION’S
Ethical Principles
Members of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization should subscribe to and practice the following principles.
INTERNAL RELATIONS
A. Patient and Family
Admissions
Offer access to hospice and palliative care to all patients and their families in need of those services.
Care and Services
Provide patients and their families with the highest possible level of quality end-of-life care and services, while maintaining professional boundaries that respect their rights and privacy.
Conflicts of Interest
Avoid activities that conflict with the organization’s responsibilities to patients and their families.
Discontinuation of Care
Discontinue care only upon the voluntary consent of the patient, when the patient is no longer medically eligible, or when the organization cannot provide care without compromising the ethical or professional integrity, or the safety, of its employees.
Information Management, Confidentiality and Privacy
Respect and protect confidential information.
B. Employees and Volunteers
Employee and Volunteer Relations
Ensure that hospice and palliative care employees and volunteers are treated with respect and fairness, while supporting their ability to obtain the highest level of skill and expertise in their profession or role.
C. Governance
Governance
Adhere to governance structures that ensure the organization fulfills its mission and purpose.
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
A. Hospice Market (other hospices, suppliers, payers)
External Collegial Relationships
Work cooperatively with other healthcare providers, suppliers and payers to provide compassionate and competent end-of-life care.
B. Donors
Development and Fundraising
Be open and transparent in soliciting and accepting financial and/or in-kind support.
C. General Public
Access
Promote universal availability of comprehensive hospice and palliative care services, in diverse healthcare settings and with specific emphasis on reaching traditionally underserved populations.
Marketing and Referrals
Follow marketing and referral practices that promote compassionate, high-quality care for patients and their families.
Public Information
Develop and disseminate accurate, honest and timely information about hospice, palliative care and other end-of-life issues to local, state and national communities.
D. Society
Research
Support the advancement of knowledge to improve the provision, quality, and outcomes of hospice and palliative care..
http://www.nhpco.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=4304
http://www.providence.org/swsa/facilities/soundhomecare/hospice/e37volunteer.htm
