Ethical Issues in Gerontology - Essay Example

Ethical Issues in Gerontology Insert Insert s Ethics in a clinical setting is the analysis, identification and resolution of ethical problems that arise when health care practitioners are caring for their patients (Capezuti, Zwicker, Mezey & Fulmer, 2008). Therefore, it is of much importance that a health care giver be committed to ethical principles, and in this case a gerontologist. Moreover, ethical behavior of the profession should be in accordance with the accepted principles of doing right and wrong. However, complete reliance on either professional code of ethics or legal standards can sometimes be problematic. It means that, that reliance becomes a way of finessing ethical decision making among professionals and therefore excusing what might a violation of ethics by asserting that there is no definitive standard that has been violated. In gerontology, ethical decision-making, mentoring relationships and ethical behavior is clearly more than just following of minimal law and ethical codes (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2008). It means that, for an instant; in mentoring relationships, one has to be continuously aware that some actions done by a gerontologist may be wrong irrespective of whether the law was broken or code violated. However, it is of much value that one considers professional code of ethics since they might apply during the mentoring of a gerontologist. Codes of ethics for professional gerontologists are the principles and ethical standards that depict the responsibilities and professional conduct of gerontologists. The principles are used to guide a gerontologist while performing their everyday activities and in case issues arise in their professional work. Professional competence is one key principle that gerontologists should observe while working (Wiersman & Dupuis, 2007). A gerontologist should distinguish the limitations that exist in their multidisciplinary expertise and should, therefore, undertake tasks that they are qualified in relation to their training, education and experience. In order to maintain competence at work, gerontologist will continue with their education. Competencies include skill, attitude, knowledge, behavior and judgment of a gerontologist. It is vital for a professional to recognize that most behaviors have cultural meaning; therefore, one needs to view the behavior within contextual issues of the patient (Hinrichsen, 2006). One should be able to recognize the communication changes that affect older adults in their care and formulate strategies that will meet the need of the patient for optimum communication ability. Integrity is another principle that a gerontologist need to observe in the professional work. It means that they should be honest, act fairly and respect others while at work. Gerontologist should never act knowingly in ways that will jeopardize their welfare or the welfare of other professionals (Mauk, 2006). While attending their patients, gerontologists are to act with confidence, inspire trust and gain mutual respect of their clients. They should not make statements that are misleading, false or deceptive to either their clients or other professionals. Confidence is a key factor in gaining the trust of your client; therefore, gerontologist should not knowingly disclose any information of his or her clients to the wrong people. Religious beliefs are an area of diversity that a gerontologist needs to consider when caring for older adults and their families. The older people attach a high value when it comes to religious beliefs, as they are more involved in religious activity as opposed to the young. According to Mehrotra, & Wagner, it is important that a gerontologist understands clearly the diversity in religion of their patients in order for them to be ethical while caring for them (2008). Mehrotra & Wagner states that respecting other people’s rights; diversity and dignity are a concern for the gerontologists (2008). Therefore, they strive to eliminate any biases during their professional activities whereby they do not accept discrimination of any form. Moreover, understanding the needs of older adults from diverse can be significant in this age discrimination society. Gerontologists should understand discriminating the aging may pose additional problems to their clients who are already vulnerable to discrimination either by virtue of their ethnicity, disability status, race, sex or sexual orientation. Culturally sensitive interventions in the gerontology profession need to be done in order to maximize acceptability of intervention and services delivered; also, in relation to cultural values and beliefs of the aging population (Miller, 2009). Thus, self-determination is essential in this case, whereby the gerontologists should exercise respect and promote the rights of their patients and assist them in their efforts by identifying an clarifying their goals. However, if the patient’s actions or their potential actions pose a foreseeable, imminent or serious risk, then the gerontologist can limit the patient’s right to self-determination. Professional responsibility and accountability are also a major concern for gerontologists. They must bind to the highest scientific and professional standards and assume responsibility for their actions (Potter & Perry, 2009). This is where the gerontologist uses clear and understandable language while informing their clients of the reason for the services, the risks, limits and right of refusal. Unethical behavior may compromise the trust that a gerontologist may have earned from the client and the public at large. The best interest of their patient must always come first. One should obtain consultation from other professionals whenever need be as one is never too experienced to consult (Ebersole, Hess, Touhy, Jett, & Schmidt, 2008). Professional gerontologists should protect the interests of the clients even if it means seeking permission from appropriate third party and informing the patient with good understanding. Being socially responsible is a key element in the gerontology profession. Gerontologist is to be aware of their responsibility to societies they life and work and to the community. When they are undertaking the professional activities, they strive to advance their professionalism while still serving the public. By working professionally and upholding their professional code of conduct and principles, the gerontologists will have full trust of the public (Royal College of Nursing, 2004). They are to observe that they act in the best interest of the society they live in and ensure they are morally upright. According to Crowther, & Zeiss, society plays a major role in the professional life of a gerontologist (2003). In conclusion, ethical practices ensure that a professional gerontologist demonstrates integrity, respect and honesty in all professional interactions. When one is practicing gerontology ethically, he or she can identify the effects of his or her beliefs, values and experiences in relationships with those of their patients because of being competent and demonstrating integrity. It is through competence that a gerontologist has ethical practice and supports patients and their families in making good decisions pertaining to their health care (Mezey, Quinlan, Fairchild & Vezina, 2006). When a professional gerontologist is deciding on how to solve the ethical problem, he or she should not choose between ethical solutions that are already made for that particular situation. Instead, they should consider their moral imagination and creativity in designing these solutions. References Capezuti, E., Zwicker, D., Mezey, & M., Fulmer, T (2008). Evidence-based geriatric nursing protocols for best practice. (3rd ed). New York: Springer Publishing Company. Crowther, M. R., & Zeiss, A. M. (2003). Aging and mental health. In J. S. Mio & G. Y. Iwamasa (Eds.), Culturally diverse mental health: The challenge of research and resistance (pp. 309-322). New York: Brunner-Routledge. Ebersole, P., Hess, P., Touhy, T. A., Jett, K. & Schmidt, L., A. (2008). Toward healthy aging: Human needs & nursing response (7th Ed.). St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier. Hinrichsen, G. (2006). Why multicultural issues matter to practitioners working with older adults. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 37 (1), 29-35. Hooyman, N., & Kiyak, H., (2008). Social gerontology: A multidisciplinary perspective. Boston: Pearson A&B. Mauk, K. L. (2006). Gerontological nursing: Competencies for care. Boston: Jones and Bartlett. Mehrotra, C.M., & Wagner, L.S. (2008). Aging and Diversity: An active learning experience (2 Nd ed.). New York: Routledge Mezey, M., Quinlan, E., Fairchild, S., & Vezina, M. (2006). Geriatric Competencies for RNs in Hospitals. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 22 (1): 2-10. Miller, C.A. (2009). Nursing for wellness in older adults: Theory and practice (5th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health / Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Potter, P.A. & Perry, A.G. (2009). Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing (4rd ed.). Canada: Mosby Elsevier. Royal College of Nursing (2004). Nursing Assessment and Older People: A Royal College of Nursing Tooikit, London, RCN. Wiersman, E., & Dupuis, S. (2007). Managing responsive behaviors. Canadian Nursing Home, 18 (2): 17-22. Read More