Ethics and Morals

Ethics and Morals

Ethics and Morality in Health and Social Care

Understanding Ethics and Morality

• Ethics refers to prescribed standards of conduct and moral behaviour in a society or profession.
• Morality describes the principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour.
• Both are central to health and social care, guiding behaviours and decisions affecting service users and their overall well-being.

Theoretical Approaches to Ethics

• Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics): There is an inherent duty to act rightly, independent of the outcome. In health and social care, this might refer to the duty to respect confidentiality, even if disclosing information could potentially benefit the patient in some way.
• Utilitarian Ethics (Consequence-Based Ethics): The rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its overall outcome or consequence. In health and social care, this might mean taking an action that ensures the greater good, such as forcing a service user to take needed medication against their will because the potential health benefits outweigh the violation of autonomy.
• Virtue Ethics: Emphasizes character traits as determinants of ethical behaviour, focusing on what kind of person one should be. For example, professionals should develop traits such as compassion, diligence, and respectfulness.

Ethical Principles in Health and Social Care

• Autonomy: Respect for the patient’s right to self-determination. It requires professionals to encourage service users to make their own decisions where possible, emphasizing informed consent and privacy.
• Beneficence: The duty to promote good and act in the best interests of the patient and society.
• Nonmaleficence: “First, do no harm”. This principle requires professionals to ensure their interventions do not cause harm or hurt to the service user.
• Justice: This principle requires fairness and equitable treatment in health and social care, considering elements like access to care, the distribution of resources, and the treatment of individuals and groups.

Applying Ethics to Long-Term Physiological Conditions

• Ethical concepts become especially significant when dealing with long-term physiological conditions. Patients often rely on medical practitioners for extended periods, elevating the importance of trust, confidentiality, and mutual respect.
• Complex decisions often arise, such as considerations for long-term care, withdrawal of treatment, and end-of-life decisions. These must be navigated with great sensitivity and concern for ethical principles.
• Services must be provided without discrimination while respecting the dignity and rights of individuals with long-term conditions. Understanding and respecting cultural and individual differences helps ensure ethical care.

In summary, ethics and morality are crucial elements to navigate health and social care, particularly in the context of long-term physiological conditions. They guide professionals in their conduct, ensure respect for patient rights, and foster a positive care environment.