Australian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics - Case Study Example

Ethnic Studies Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Ethnic Studies Assessment Social workers are compelled to make ethical decisions when it comes to resolving ethical dilemmas, issues and problems by critically reflecting, evaluating and judging their situations professionally (AASW, 1999, p. 2). A social worker is actively involved in personal situations that are distressing and critical just like the case of Dr. Anderson. They do not conflict with fundamental human rights of individuals since they respect their ideologies, beliefs, traditions and cultures. This social worker should have full and relevant information on the doctors case since it will enable her make sound, reflective and rigorous decisions on the steps to take in solving the case. Values and ethical responsibilities should be identified because they have come into conflict with the work of the social worker. Decision making processes should bear in mind ethical theories, principles of both natural justice and legal, codes of ethics, laws, policies of the organization and the best practices of the social work plus its principles. The risks and benefits to Dr. Anderson concerning the decision he is about to make especially since the hospital is going to loose one of their competent employees (Australian Association of Social Workers, 2010, p. 15). In my opinion, the social worker should try to convince Dr. Anderson that, there are many people who are relying on him to save their lives by treating and advising them on how to maintain good health. Social workers are supposed to maintain confidentiality, but in some instances, they are forced to share their stories and case files if it mans saving the life of their client(s). I propose that the social worker exhaust all available avenues and suggestions that will assist and persuade the doctor to change his mind concerning his suicidal thoughts. The doctor has no other family, but since he has been able to open up to the social worker, I can use this form of trust accorded to me by the doctor and be his friend. I will stand beside him and try to show him that he still has a lot of things to live for. Many people have lost their loved ones, but they are still living and helping others realize their dreams and potentials. Dr. Anderson has been given the opportunity of saving the lives of other people in the society and therefore, his purpose in this universe is far from over. I suggest that the social worker should arm herself with basic important information that will aid in convincing the doctor to reconsider his attempt of committing suicide. I think the social worker should emphasize the importance of having the doctor around and should engage him in activities that will keep his mind busy and occupied especially those times when he is off duty. I suggest that they visit those individuals who have lost hope in life, but have discovered a new reason for wanting to preserve their life. This will encourage the doctor and change his mind concerning his suicidal thoughts. This move will enable him to think clearly and appreciate the god life given to him by God. He will be able to also appreciate the few moments he was able to share with his wife and son. A social worker should be engaged in seeing to it that the doctor is occupied in things that make his mind engaging. A doctor goes through training programs in order to provide subsequent help to patients with ill-health and thus, Dr. Anderson is not acting professionally. He has lost his wife, child and family, but it does not give him the chance to want to end his life. If his wife were still alive, she would want him to serve the sick by being professional and continuing with his life. Ethically, doctors are not supposed to engage in activities that bring about doubt of their career professionalism and so, the doctor is not being ethical. He is the one who is supposed to help those patients who are going through this same problem by showing them that; there is life beyond the death of their loved ones. A social worker is obliged to maintain confidentiality and act professionally by not handing this case file to another social worker because; she is also competent and is capable of helping Dr. Anderson. According to the AMA Code of Ethics (2004), doctors are supposed to recognize that their personal conduct may affect their reputation and that of their reputation. Therefore, Dr. Anderson should bear that in mind when making rush decisions pertaining to ending his life. The social worker should interject the self determination and client autonomy at this time to help the doctor reconsider his move and make informed decisions regarding his future and present life. The doctor has a right to choose to commit suicide since it is not against Australian laws, but it is the work of the social worker to prevent it from happening since the doctor will be posing a serious threat to himself (Otlowski, 2000, p. 328). It is an irrational decision for the doctor to opt for suicide as a way to solve his depressed state of mind. Ethically, this is a morally wrong way of alleviating his pain of losing his family and so, the social worker needs to use tactical approaches in persuading him on the morality involved in not engaging in suicide. Even though the social worker is presented with various competing values that need to be supported in her decision making process, she should critically analyze the case and choose the ones that promote and preserve life. Conflict of interest will arise in such situations, but she will be basing her decision on the life experiences and her own ethical as well as legal obligations that need to be upheld by members of the society. Dr. Anderson is to be informed that his decision will jeopardize the interests of others and therefore, he should be able to mind the other people in society. A social worker should be focused in carrying out her duties and responsibilities and thus, she should have researched fully on the open alternatives available for the doctor and should be able to counter attack them with solutions that are profound and objective. According to Australian laws, common humanity should be emphasized and promoted by all in society and hence, social workers are required under law to preserve and promote the dignity, rights, responsibilities and individuality of individuals (Kinley, 1998, p. 280). This theory only applies to the principle of compassion, but the social worker should know the basis of wanting to commit suicide. For the doctor, his reasons do not hold because he is not thinking straight. He should be given time and space to think of his consequences, but the social worker should counsel him before time elapses and avoid his rational decision of carrying out his plea of helping other members of the community by committing suicide. It is the duty of the social worker to warn and care for his clients and thus, for this case, she is authorized to seek professional advice that will rescue the doctor from committing suicide. The one reason that is pushing the doctor to commit suicide is the fact that, he is al alone and has no reason to live. However, he has so many reasons to live for since he has a responsibility of taking care of the sick and giving them a second chance. He is not alone since other people lost loved ones during the flight, but have a reason to live. He should want to make a difference in the society by encouraging others on the importance of sharing and not giving up on life. There are those who wish to see tomorrow, but they cannot. He has been given a chance to appreciate and enjoy life by helping others in the community. Making a difference in the society enables one to be appreciated and hence, one has a reason to hold on to life. Dr. Anderson is a professional doctor serving the community by saving their lives and giving them a second chance. I should think that he should not judge individuals by their actions, but should treat them without any discrimination. The social worker is allowed to breach the confidentiality pledge since she is saving the lives of thousands of people and not of five people. Dr. Anderson has a right to give out his parts to others, but will it be solving the problem or adding to it? The hospital will lose a member of staff, while some patients will loose a friend, confidant and doctor. He should reconsider his actions and be professional in his decisions. Ethical values and professionals need to be promoted by doctors and social workers in their professions and during decision making time. In conclusion, I agree that the social worker should find means and ways of persuading Dr. Anderson to change his mind. The social worker should not be an accomplice to such atrocious acts and thus, she should share it with someone who is willing to give her professional advice on the situation. It is one challenging ethical dilemma, but a competent and professional social worker should be able to solve the case by critically analyzing the available solutions available. References: Australian Association of Social Workers (1999). Code of Ethics. Canberra: Australian Association of Social Workers. Australian Association of Social Workers. (2010). Code of Ethics. Retrieved 14th May, 2011 from Australian Medical Association. (November 2006). AMA Code of Ethics – 2004. Editorially Revised 2006. Retrieved 14th May, 2011 from < http://ama.com.au/codeofethics> Fry, T. & Megan-Jane, J. (2002). Ethics in nursing practice: a guide to ethical decision making. New York: Wiley-Blackwell. Kinley, David (1998). Human rights in Australian law: principles, practice and potential. Otlowski, Margaret. (2000). Voluntary Euthanasia and the Common Law. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Read More