Principles of Health and Social Care Practice - Term Paper Example

Principles of Health and Social Care Practice Introduction Equal rights and services in health and social care is every human being’s right that should be accessible without discrimination of any sort (Lundy & Janes 2009, p. 306). The medical and social care practitioners are obliged by principles to render health and social care services to needy adults or children (Hughes & O'Connor 2006, p.199). In most cases, the needs arise from poverty, disability, illness, or even old age. The major objectives of social care provision are many and include, protecting human rights that relate to people’s social needs, improve life chances and opportunities, promote social inclusion and independence as well as preserve and advance mental and physical health (Challis, Clarkson &Warburton 2006, p.126). This paper provides a summative analysis of health and social care practice on the elderly people undergoing care in ABC care home. An overview of Principles of health and social care practice Principles vary between fields and disciplines, but in health and social care, it can be described as moral rules or guiding behaviour that influences a health social worker or caregiver’s ethical guidelines by pushing him to carry out support services effectively. This means that principles of health and social care practices are extremely vital because they influence the efficiency and quality of support that is provided to the needy clients (Trodd & Chivers 2011, p.142). These principles include legislation, policies; codes and regulations that the N.H.S implemented with an objective of ensuring that the individuals in care homes or under the care of health social workers are not abused, but rather that their needs are met to the fullest. An example of such an implemented principle is the one enacted by U.K department of health in 2012 (Department of Health 2012, p.1). The evidence of the effectiveness of the Act is evident in U.K because statistics claim that the level of care given has transformed and risen to higher levels. Application of principles of support to ensure that service users are cared for in ABC Care Home Health and social care practice application by the health social workers are guided by ethical or health principles (Brotherton & Parker 2008, p.103). These principles help guide the practitioners to offer person-focused services that in turn promote health and well-being. In this, the social care providers need to apply various support principles. There are various common principles in health and social care practice that include communication, equality, confidentiality, rights and acknowledging the clients beliefs and culture (Moonie 2005, p.44). Equality is an extreme necessity in social care, and that is why the U.K government amended the Equality Act 2010, where part 2 chapter 1&2 supports equality by shunning un-discriminatory practices in various fields that include health and social care (Equality Act 2010, part 1 & 2). The Act urges the social care practitioners to adhere to fundamentals of good practice by treating their clients equally with respect and dignity in spite of their age, sexuality, or identity. The reason why anti discrimination is advocated for is because it helps the clients maintain their independence as well as control their own lives. Rights are basic necessities that foster freedom of the clients; hence, the social care practitioners should ensure that the service users or clients enjoy their freedom just as they did while they were living independently, and can make informed choices. Additionally, the clients have the rights to decline and accept what befits them. They should also participate in the services offered to them through the care plan. Nevertheless, the social care worker is supposed to restrict the freedom of the client at times especially when the client poses a threat to him and to others. Granting freedom to the clients is a way of supporting their rights because such individuals especially the elderly might feel that their lives are over ruled and that most of their priorities are denied. In such a case, the social care practitioner must understand their clients’ situations by exercising respect and dignity with an attempt of supporting the rights of the clients. Prior to supporting their rights, the social care practitioners must support or acknowledge the client’s identity. The identities of the elderly clients could be religion, tradition, sexuality among others. By acknowledging the type of identity the client possesses, the social worker will be in a better position to support his clients identities by effectively respecting them. Confidentiality is another crucial aspect that the health social worker should maintain because it not only demonstrate respect but also help in promoting trust that in turn lifts the clients’ self esteem (Moonie 2005, p. 45). The importance of confidentiality depicts through the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000 since the two Acts claim that the clients have the right to access records held about them. The Data Protection Act 1998 contains a wide range legislation that strictly safeguards clients’ fundamental rights concerning data processes and exposure. The Act supplements the confidentiality of common law that develops through judicial decisions. Though the Act has undergone revision, and is currently allowing medical practitioners to use client’s data for research, the confidentiality of the clients record is highly recommended. The other crucial aspect is proper communication. Communication could be verbal or even through body language, but its objective is passing the message. The reason why effective communication is vital is that ABC care home takes care of the elderly, whose hearing ability might be poor (Moonie 2000, p. 74-76). Therefore, the health social workers should use all the necessary strategies to ensure that efficient communication between them and their clients is effective. The social care practitioners should understand the vast benefits of effective communication by utilizing and promoting it to the fullest. In order to promote communication in their care giving services, the social care workers should encourage their clients to communicate because doing so will help the clients express their needs and feelings with ease. More so, the social care practitioners’ ability to initiate communication fosters a comfortable environment through which the client can freely share thoughts and ideas. Generally, the act of promoting communication renders a friendly environment in which the practitioner and his clients can interact; hence improving the quality of services rendered. Adopted procedures in ABC care homes that protects clients and colleagues from harm The overall objective of every care home is to provide a comfortable and safe environment for its clients. Health care support workers play an important role because they utilize N.H.S policies by protecting patients from harm, abuse as well as valuing their equality and diversity. The World Health Organization defines abuse especially to the elderly as an inappropriate act that causes distress or harm. Elder abuse can come in many forms that in clued financial, physical, emotional, sexual among others. Abuse can also mean unintentional or intentional neglect. On the other hand, harm could be simply referred to us injury that affects an individuals, physical, internal or emotional being. This is crucial in our case because the clients in the case study are elderly; hence, putting them in a more vulnerable position (Bradshaw & Merriman 2007, p.106). To accomplish this objective, the health social workers should follow the rules and laws set by the government on how safety precautions should be carried out in care homes. An example of such a regulation is the one enacted by the National Health Service. The policy claims that social care workers should adhere to strict procedures in order to prevent abuse and negligence in their workplaces. The social care workers should be ready to protect their patients or clients from any form of abuse or harm because they are held accountable for the services they provide. Ideally, harms and abuses affect the client’s physical or mental health by delaying their recovery. More so, the health social workers should always concentrate on safety by doing a risk assessment on all services and equipments. After assessing every vital aspect in the ABC home, the concerned personnel should in turn put up necessary measures in order to prevent future accidents (O’Neil 2002, p. 251). The social caregivers will achieve this objective by using equipments that have undergone assessment checks (Joint Commission Resources, Inc 2008, p.12). More so, default equipments should bear noticeable “DO NOT USE” labels to prevent and avoid accidents. Prior to using safe equipments, ABC care home needs to have controlled cupboards that will store and lock in hazardous substances. In addition, common precautions should be observed like during laundry, the housekeeping team should display boards that alert on the ongoing cleanliness in order to warn everyone that the floor could be slippery; hence, avoiding falls. Concerning the environment, ABC care home should ensure that any defects like chipped floors or even hanging electricity wires are immediately taken care of by the maintenance personnel. The benefits of following a person-centred approach with the service users of this care home Though a person-centred approach is a frequently used term in health and social care system, it is infrequently practiced because according to the authors’ views, many practitioners rely on political and financial consideration when planning and offering care (Roberts & Watkins 2009, p. 240). Nevertheless, the benefit of the personal centred approach is that it enhances client satisfaction by reaching diverse individuals because it creates a strong interpersonal relationship. Prior to offering satisfying services, it enables clients to manage their conditions in a more effective manner. Additionally, it helps the caregivers understand their clients better, which in turn enhance the quality of service rendered unto them. Ethical dilemmas and conflict arising during provision of care, support and protection health and social care services users Ethical dilemmas have vast definitions that depend on the field of application, but in health and social care practice, it generally refers to a difficult problem that is not satisfactorily solvable. Ethical dilemmas and conflicts are common phenomena that apply to health and social care field. In this case, ethical dilemmas occur when health and social workers encounter conflicts in professional duties (Berkman 2006, p. 444). The outcome of such scenarios tears the health and social worker apart because the health social worker is torn between respecting the client’s confidentiality and protecting the client from harm. According to moral philosophers, such cases are hard to handle because the health social worker must choose between two incompatible issues (Reamer 2006, p. 44). An example of an ethical dilemma occurs when a health social worker is torn between telling an elderly client about a heartbreaking truth concerning a diagnosed disease or keeping it a secret, because such news could emotionally affect the client, who in this case is an elderly person. Keeping it as a secret will neither be helpful to the health practitioner because it could haunt his conscience; hence, such a situation leaves the health social worker with a paradox on whether or not to tell the truth. How local policies and procedures can be developed in accordance with national and policy requirements Developing local policies and procedures is not an easy task because proper co-ordination between the management of the ABC cares home and other concerned stakeholders becomes necessary. Nevertheless, ABC has proven that it is capable of developing its own policies and procedures that align with the national and policy requirements. This is the case because in accident cases, the clients fill an accident report that goes to the supervisor families and other concerned people with an aim of informing them of the accident. After the information, implementation of precautions takes place with an aim of avoiding future accidents. More so, ABC has embraced the infection control policy because it has realised that it helps in controlling the spread of infections within the home (Rhinehart & Friedman 1999, p. 174). ABC has also formed a culture of using personal protective equipments whenever it is offering personal care to its client or when handling any infectious wastes. Moreover, hand washing is carried out using proper techniques not forgetting that clinical and kitchen wastes are put in bins that are later collected for disposal. In addition, the care home has strategized on handling emergencies like disease outbreaks by isolating the clients and managing them separately and proper sanitation techniques like proper hand washing are used to avoid further spread of the infections. Evaluation of policy, legislation, regulation, and codes of practice impact on organisational policy and practice Before evaluating the impact of these guiding rules, it is vital to understand each of these aspects in order to understand how best they apply and impact. To begin with, policies are plans or ideas that offer solutions on what to do during a certain situation. These sets of ideas have passed official approval by certain people or bodies. The impact of the policies is that it enhances legal requirements by ensuring that the concerned personnel adhere to and meet them. More so, it enhances the observance of endorsement standard as well as improving its quality. On another note, codes of practice are a set of guidelines that guide the health and social worker to implement certain procedures, policies and other relevant regulations (Clarke, Riley & Dougherty 2004, p. 20). The impact of codes of practice is that it sets professional conducts and practice that should be utilized by health and social care workers (Fisher, 2003:88). On the other hand, regulations are rules or orders that carry the force of law. A superior, competent authority or government usually prescribes these orders. The main objective of the regulations is to ease or make the legislation easier to stick to (Great Britain 2012, p. 99). On the other hand, the legislation is an enacted body of laws that reflects vast constitutional rights. The health Service Act 2012 states seven major legislation that were enacted to enhance the service of quality in health and social care (Bullman, Davies, and Finlay, 2000:128). Primarily, the principles claim that the secretary of state should promote comprehensive social service, improve quality of service in health care, recognize the N.H.S constitution, reduce inequality, promote independence, promote research on health matters, as well as promote education and training of health care practitioners. In general, the Health Service Act 2012, aimed at improving health quality and services. More so, the Health and Social Care Act 2012 makes a few changes to the existing National Health Service Act 2006 by improving quality and accountability, which has transformed the way health care is provided by laying out efficient platforms. Generally, Policies, codes, regulations and legislation reforms posses diverse impacts towards social care practice because they protect the practitioner and the client by offering practical guidance that relate to social care needs (Triggle 2011, p. 1). The main objective of evaluating legislation, policy and code of practice is to ensure that standards are clear, up to date, and relevant to practitioners, clients and all concerned individuals. Theories underpinning health and social care practice Theory is a crucial aspect of health and social care because it acts as a catalyst that directs all practices. More so, theory helps guide future health and social care because health and social care is based on different theories. This means that, theory application in health and social care setting is utilized in order for health social workers to understand the clients better. There are various theories that the social care professionals apply that include communication, cognitive, social, cultural and humanistic theories. Firstly, humanistic theories are based on human views where clients view themselves as worthy of learning about one's self and accepting their fate as well as exploring personal capabilities (Boyd 2005, p.79). On another note, communication and social theory go hand in hand because health social workers communicate and interact with their clients effectively. Applying these two theories ensures that the health social workers have a platform to utilize their duties effectively (Brown, Crawford & Carter 2006, p.1). In addition, there exists behaviour theory, a theory that occurs when an individual watches over the actions of another with an aim of ensuring that he acts appropriately. In this case, the health social worker watches over the behaviour of the client until the client is in a position to act normally. Moreover, cognitive theory also adds up the list, and it addresses the social structure by reviewing a person's past experience. This means that, the social care practitioner is in a better position to handle and assist the client because the history is available. Analyses of the impact social processes have on health and social care services users Social process is a process in which the concerned parties in the health and social care centre interact socially. The process has vast effects on the users of health and social care because it encourages interaction and partnership, which in turn creates a harmonious environment. Social process is extremely essential to the clients because their interaction with the health social workers enhances a deeper understanding that in turn helps health social workers to handle them better (Wallace & Davies 2009, p.113). Evaluate the effectiveness of inter-professional working Inter-professional working is a partnership designed to create inter-professional team that works together for common goals. Inter-professional working has become a common phenomenon especially in recent years where health care has transformed towards modernization (Meads et al 2008, p. 9). Inter-professional working is an essential concept because analysts link it with positive patient outcomes. However, for these outcomes to come forth, concerted efforts and co-ordination is required from various disciplines. Health and social care regulations recognize the benefits of inter- professional working. For instance, the government recently stresses the desire to push for continuous quality improvement in health and social care service (Adams 2012, p. 1). This step will encourage local authorities to foster community care plans that co-operate with health and other sectors. This means that, the collaboration of local authorities with the health sector will create a teamwork whose outcomes will definitely be effective. Therefore, inter-professional working is extremely effective because the work is shared; hence, enhancing the quality and efficiency of service as well as fostering client satisfaction. Own role, accountabilities responsibilities and duties while working with individuals within and outside the health and social care workplace In order to bring about significant change in the social and health care organizational policy, I have to demonstrate awareness of the urgent change that is neeeded as revealed by CQC . As described above, there is a salient need for developing new strategies in the formulation of new policies in order to solve the underlying issues. I have a responsibility of understanding the procedures of policy development in conformity with the existing national policies. Such understanding will serve as a platform for me to indulge fully in the policy development. Being a manager at ABC, I have the mandate to participate towards policy development in order to ensure that people have access to the health care that meets their evident needs. Policy formation involves formation of collaboration of the stakeholders within the social care provision sector and other critical sectors (Adams 2012, p. 1). I have the responsibility of initiating change among the leaders of the ABC home. The new policies should call for a change in organizational culture. Under my current position, I have the mandate of creating awareness to the administration, in the ABC home concerning the dwindling situation in social care provision. Moreover, acting as a visionary leader, I can mobilize the all the staff to recognize the fundamental issues that need to be highlighted in the new policies that will be formed (Wallace & Davies 2009, p.88). Moreover, I have the capacity to motivate my subordinates towards an ethical and professional approach in the provision of social and health care services. After the development of new policies, the entire social care staff in the ABC home will need to adopt the strategies defined in the emerging policies. As a leader, I will have the duty of ensuring that all the workers in the social care sector have an understanding of the stipulations of the new policies. It is also critical to solicit ideas from them on the issues that need addressing in the formulation of new policies. Moreover, it is evident that I need to solicit ideas from stakeholders outside the ABC home, but whose contribution is critical. When dealing with these individuals outside the home, I have to ensure that they attain familiarity with the current issues that pose a need for the development of effective strategies. Moreover, I will ensure that they realize that the ABC home realizes the urgency with which changes should occur (Wallace & Davies 2009, p.90). Throughout these interactions, professionalism is critical, to ensure that these individuals contribute positively in ABC’S venture to improve. Policy formulation requires the active contribution of these individuals. Evaluation of own contribution to the development and implementation of health and social care organisational policy After realizing the need for change at ABC home to ensure the provision of quality services, I have worked towards the development of a white paper, highlighting the need for change, and describing potential adjustments that need to be reflected in the formulation of the new policies. I have presented the white paper to the highest office for consideration. After the expose of the failure of the home to fulfil its role in provision of health care, I initiated a program that requires each of the workers to offer feedback concerning the challenges faced in the provision of health care within the ABC home. This information was of critical importance in my writing of the white paper. In efforts to motivate the workers towards the adoption of better strategies in health care provision, I have arranged for a training program that will help all the workers to understand the emerging ethical and professional expectations in health care provision ((Wallace & Davies 2009, p.93). Recommendations for good practice After a close analysis of the issues that have lowered the quality of services provided at the ABC home, it is evident that certain changes can help improve service delivery at the home. All the workers need training programs that will ensure that they understand the emerging needs of the elderly people. Moreover, such training will offer them an opportunity to understand the national policy stipulations on social and health care provision (Wallace & Davies 2009, p.115). The administration of the ABC home needs professional help in policy development to ensure that the policies developed meet the national standards of social and health care provision. The leaders of the ABC home will need to acquire advanced knowledge on policy development, and this can occur through participation in different programs that offer training and expertise on policy development. It has become evident that the ABC home needs to conform to the ethical standards in social and health care provision. In order to achieve this, all the staff and workers in the home will require a refresher course on the ethical principles that guide health care provision. Bibliography Adams, J 2012, Can the social care white paper drive up quality? The Guardian. 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