PSW 1001 Chapter 4 Ethics

• PSW 1001 Chapter 4 covers Ethics

Objectives

• Explain the purpose of code of ethics
• Define the terms belief and values
• Differentiate between ethics and morals
• Identify the basic principles of health care ethics
• Describe how each of the principles applies to PSW work
• Define the term ethical dilemma
• Apply the principles to solve ethical dilemmas

Key Terms

• Ethics refers to rules of conduct that guide decisions about what is right and wrong
• Moral refers to fundamental principles of behavior that each person believes to be right or wrong without concern to law or customs
• Values are what an individual considers to be worthwhile or desirable
• Belief is a conviction that something is true
• As a PSW, you will rely on your ethical beliefs, morals, and values to guide your conduct

Code of Ethics

• Regulated professions have codes of ethics provided by their governing body
• The code of ethics describe ideals of professional and standards of conduct that group members must follow
• Support workers do not have a formal code of ethics, but OPSWA has a version
• Many employers have informal codes of ethics

Textbook Code of Ethics

• Support Workers provide high quality personal care and support services while working within their scope of practice
• Support Workers should be aware of policies and procedures of the workplace
• Support Workers should provide compassionate care to all clients
• Support Workers should value the dignity and worth of all clients
• Support Workers should respect their client's choices on how to receive/participate in their care
• Support Workers should respect clients' right to privacy and confidentiality
• Support Workers will not misuse their position of trust
• Support Workers will be reliable
• Support Workers will promote and maintain their client's safety

Principles of Health Care Ethics Introduction

• Health Care Ethics is the philosophical study of what is morally right and wrong when providing health care services
• Ethical Dilemma is a situation where the apparent conflict is between opposing moral choices and choosing one would result in going against another moral choice

Basic Principles of Health Care Ethics

• Autonomy is respecting a client's right to make choices
• Justice means being fair
• Beneficence means doing good
• Nonmaleficence means doing no harm

Autonomy (Self-Determination)

• Having free choice involving decisions that affect one’s life
• Clients must be mentally competent
• Laws are established to protect clients' rights to autonomy, such as informed consent
• It becomes very complicated when your client’s decision could cause risks or result in death
• Respecting your client’s autonomy means not judging their choices or lifestyle

Autonomy and PSW Role

• You have to respect your client’s choices and preferences
• It would be unethical to ignore the above
• If client's choice is different from your values
• Examples include living common law, tattoos, body piercings, or being heterosexual
• If client’s choice is unsafe, refer to your Supervisor for assistance
• Example of this is if a client does not want to use a walker because it is too cumbersome

Justice

• All people should be treated in a fair and equal manner
• Some Canadians get better health care because they can afford it, despite the wish for universal healthcare
• Examples of better health care include private clinics, PSWs, or elective surgeries
• It is possible to uphold principles of justice by being concerned for all clients, regardless of their conditions or temperaments

Justice and the PSW Role

• Every client deserves the same attention and care, even if some clients are easier to work with than others
• Treating people justly also means you do not betray their trust
• Avoid snooping in client's homes, prying into their personal lives, and gossiping about them

Beneficence

• Doing or promoting good
• A client’s needs come before those of their family
• Contact your supervisor if you feel a family member's request goes against the needs of the client

Beneficence and The PSW Role

• Meeting the client's needs should always be the most important function
• Stay professional and keep the relationship therapeutic, thus do not expect anything from the client like money or gifts
• Do not take sides in a family fight
• Do not ask clients to do something that is in your interests rather than theirs
• Avoid asking clients to do something for you, even if it aims to benefit others more than yourself or your family
• Do not date, flirt, or accept invitations to be with a client or their family
• Be an advocate for your client and their family
• Be an advocate for PSWs
• Finish all your assigned task and follow all instructions
• Use self-discipline, particularly when working in a community

Nonmaleficence

• Seeking to do no harm
• Harm can be intentional (abuse) or unintentional (accidental injury or negligence)
• Always work within your scope of practice and perform only tasks for which you have been trained
• Recognize the limits of your knowledge and role, even if you have the best of intentions

Nonmaleficence and the PSW Role

• Do not reveal information about diagnoses, medical, surgical, or treatment plans
• This is not within your scope of practice and is unethical
• Be aware that you are responsible for keeping clients from harm
• Examples are infection control and recognizing safety hazards
• Keep your skills and knowledge current
• Attend employer workshops and update CPR

How to Deal With Ethical Dilemmas

• An Ethical Dilemma involves a situation where there is a conflict between two opposing moral choices and choosing one would result in going against the other
• A Code of Ethics provides a guideline for ethical behavior, but cannot give answers or rules
• Consider the 4 principles of health care ethics
• Get as much information as possible about the situation
• Consider all options to resolve the dilemma

How to Deal with Ethical Dilemmas: Questions

• Does the option respect the client's wishes and preferences?
• Does the option treat the client justly and fairly?
• Does the option provide the client with a short-term or long-term benefit?
• Could the option cause harm or increase the client's risk for harm?
• What are all the possible consequences to the client family and others with this option?

College of Nurses

• The CNO has a Code of Conduct that includes ethics
• It is included as mandatory and testable material