How can we ensure that our policy remains caring, even in crisis situations? 

The University of Humanistic Studies developed a care ethics policy framework to respond to future (health) crises in a more caring and inclusive manner. This project, entitled “A (care) ethical analysis of COVID-19 policy choices”, was made possible by a grant from ZonMw’s Covid19 Bottom-up Programme. The research was led by Pieter Dronkers. 

Description

During the coronavirus pandemic, the Dutch government has taken far-reaching measures. People who were already in a vulnerable position were particularly affected by the crisis policy. The ban on visits to the elderly was one of many examples. At the same time, society developed a new appreciation for the importance of good care for a resilient society.

Meanwhile, criticism of the government’s crisis policy has also grown. Policy considerations were one-sided and often not well thought out from an ethical point of view. Furthermore, vulnerable groups themselves had little or no say in policy-making. The Care Ethics Chair Group at the UvH worked on an evaluation of the crisis policy and formulated an alternative framework for care ethics (crisis) policy that is appropriate for a caring and inclusive society.

This project consisted of policy research into the crisis measures and an empirical exploration of how people in vulnerable positions have experienced the measures. In addition, it mapped out the alternatives that people have found, together with their loved ones and care providers, to cope with the impact of the coronavirus crisis. The aim was to develop a usable policy framework that can be applied in various sectors. However, the empirical research focused on four groups: people with intellectual disabilities and their relatives; elderly people and their informal carers; patients receiving palliative care and their loved ones; and finally, refugees.

The insights from the practical research are continuously discussed with stakeholders and policymakers, and an alternative policy framework is developed together.

Researchers

• Dr. Pieter Dronkers (research leader) 
• Prof. dr. Carlo Leget (main applicant)
• dr. Adrienne de Ruiter
• Dr. Alistair Niemeijer
• Dr. Els van Wijngaarden

Partners

Social partners included Actiz, Doctors of the World, the Palliative Care Netherlands cooperative, Reliëf, Pharos and the Tao of Care. 

(Co-)funding 

This project is made possible by a grant from ZonMw’s Covid19 Bottom-up Programme. 

Results

Various reports and fact sheets in Dutch, many can be found via coronatijden.nl.

• Eindrapport: ‘Zorgzaam uit de crisis: Vijf uitgangspunten voor beleidsmakers’
• Factsheet ‘Corona en de zorg voor ouderen’
• Factsheet ‘Corona en de zorg voor mensen met een verstandelijke beperking’
• Factsheet ‘Corona en zorg voor nieuwkomers’
• Rapport ‘Onder de radar. Zorg voor ongedocumenteerden en statushouders in coronatijden’
• Factsheet ‘Corona en palliatieve zorg’
• Rapport ‘Dicht bij de dood’

Contact

Dr. Pieter Dronkers, P.Dronkers@UvH.nl.