Open AccessNegotiating the Path of Ethical Decision-Making in Health Care Social Work
Author(s) -
Beverlee McIntosh,
Ralph Vander Hoek
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
critical social work
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1543-9372
DOI - 10.22329/csw.v7i2.5727
Subject(s) - negotiation , empowerment , process (computing) , health care , context (archaeology) , work (physics) , psychology , ethical decision , social work , public relations , sociology , decision making , social psychology , knowledge management , nursing , engineering ethics , political science , medicine , business , computer science , social science , law , mechanical engineering , paleontology , marketing , purchasing , biology , engineering , operating system
Understanding ethical decision-making in the context of “end of life” and other health care situations is examined using a model, which describes the process of decision-making and the influences of resources, knowledge, values, responsibility and the law. Social Work case examples from various health care settings illustrate the process and influences, giving particular attention to end of life issues. Social Work practice challenges, guidelines and suggestions are outlined in the article. The role of the social worker and the influences of the social workers’ own values, knowledge and beliefs, such as the client-centered approach and empowerment, are seen as important components of the process and influences.