Principles of Care in Care Setting That Ensure Client Empowerment - Assignment Example

Principles of care in care setting that ensure client empowerment 1.0 Introduction Basford andSlevin (2003) asserts that the principles of care for care workers aim at enhancing the quality of care through prohibiting discrimination, maintaining client information and enhancing client choices. The best practices lead to client empowerment through ensuring client’s personal contribution and fostering cordial relationships with clients. Principles of care entail treating the clients with dignity and humility through showing respect and compassion (Peate 2010). The paper will discuss the role of the principles of care in enhancing client empowerment and the importance of ensuring anti-discriminatory practices during the delivery of the care. The paper will also dwell on the need of safeguarding client confidentiality and existing legislation that protects the sharing of such information to non-authorised persons. Another principle of care that will be discussed is the need to enable the client make informed choices and respect the human dignity of the client while offering personalised care attention. The paper will also focus on the ways in which different cultural beliefs and preferences of the clients may affect care delivery and suggest measures that care workers can implement in order to avoid cultural prejudices and stereotypes during care delivery. Client empowerments entails a process of change that enables people gain more information about themselves and take more control of their lives through identifying and working with others for the change. Empowerment is an interactive process that enables people experience personal and social change that facilitates people to influence the institutions and environments in which they live. Ideally, client empowerment in care setting can be termed as a developmental process that entails the four stages of entry, advancement, incorporation and commitment. The entry stage in client empowerment is motivated events that affect an individual, immediate family or certain aspects that foster empowerment such as supportive peer relationships, mentoring and social or political relations. However, empowerment in a care setting can be initiated through orientation or counsel through helping individuals who seem powerless in the society by enabling them to understand the power dynamics at work, develop critical skills and capabilities to exercise control of their lives without interfering with the rights of others in the society. In summary, empowerment enables clients to see themselves as agents of change, utilise the acquired knowledge and skills to further self-interests and collaborate with care professionals to address numerous problems affecting their lives. 1.0 Promoting anti-discriminatory practice The principles of good practice in all interactions within the care setting are aimed at ensuring avoiding discrimination, ensuring client confidentiality, promoting the rights of the client, guiding the client to make informed choices and protecting human dignity (Peate 2010). Furthermore, good practice principles cater for the culture and personal beliefs of the client and enhance client-centered care while protecting the client from abuse and ensuring effective communication (Basford & Slevin 2003). The care providers must provide comprehensive services to the clients irrespective of the gender, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, marital status, age or pregnancy of the client (Walker 2007). Anti-discriminatory practices ensure higher client satisfaction and higher participation in care thus leading to better outcomes. In addition, the care providers have a social duty of promoting equality in their duties and ensuring the minority and marginalised groups in the society keep in pace with the improvements in life expectancy and quality health care with the other groups in the society. The sex discrimination Act 1975 prohibits discrimination on the basis of marital status or sex in the provision of care services while disability discrimination Act 1995 outlaws all manner of discriminatory practices that are based on the disability status of the client. The equality Act 2010 provides a more comprehensive legal framework for protection against client discrimination by care workers through offering clear protection for the breastfeeding mothers, and offers protection for the clients who may have undergone gender reassignment (McSherry, McSherry & Watson 2012). In this case, care practitioners can avoid anti-discriminatory practices through understanding the legal framework pertaining to their areas of practices and numerous human rights laws that prevent discrimination (Walker 2007). The care practitioners must have knowledge of the professional code of conduct that safeguards against discriminatory tendencies and policies that have been implemented by the care institution in order to prevent risks of discrimination such as maintaining punctuality, recognising own limitations in the area of practice and using appropriate attitudes when communicating with clients (Basford & Slevin 2003). An environment of prejudice and discrimination will have negative impact on certain groups in the society such as children, older people, people with disabilities, women, gay and lesbians and minority ethnic groups. For instance, prejudices will hinder children learning due to social seclusion and feelings of low self-esteem. In this case, children will start to disassociate with their peers and exhibit behavioural problems thus ultimately leading to lack of self-confidence and poor academic performance. Discrimination of clients can lead to acute depression and ultimate suicide thus care institutions must implement strict policies that deter bullying, cultural prejudices and discriminatory practices that may affect the welfare of the clients (Walker 2007). The victims of stereotyping will eventually display self-fulfilling prophecy behaviour according to the negative stereotypes. For instance, Blacks and Latinos may be stereotyped as law breakers and thus care professionals may be unwilling to help such clients due to erroneous judgments (Basford & Slevin 2003). The care workers have a responsibility of challenging discriminatory behaviour and attitudes through remaining open minded and realizing the cultural differences that exist between them and their clients. In this case, care workers are required to approach judgments, choices and opinions with an open mind and remain positive in order to understand different perspectives of the problem (Basford & Slevin 2003). The care work can avoid discriminatory tendencies and prejudices through focusing on the similarities in opinions and cultural aspects rather than concentrating on the differences. Davies (2007) asserts that care workers are expected to provide their clients with information in order to facilitate informed choices and enable the clients express their needs and preferences regarding the nature of the care. In teaching setting, the educator can challenge discriminatory behaviour and attitudes through abiding by the code of practice and developing policies that ensure inclusive learning of the minority ethnic students (Basford & Slevin 2003). The educator must refrain from using images that stereotype a certain ethnic group and help those students who English is not their first language. In dealing with this situation, the educators must observe the ethnic composition involving students such as play and access to learning resources and implement measures of dealing with the students such as encouraging inter-ethnic group work (Walker 2007). 2.0 Maintaining confidentiality of information The care providers are expected to respect the client’s privacy and dignity through maintaining confidentiality of the client information and preventing any unauthorised access. The data protection Act 1998 provides the guidelines for handling of client information since care practitioners are required to maintain the confidentiality of the handover and nursing notes and utilise discretion while providing information to the client’s relatives (Walker 2007). The clients have a right to object the disclosure of confidential information that relates to them and informed consent must be sought from the client before the disclosure. Section 60 of the health and social care Act 2001 ensures that patient’s identifiable information that is necessary for record validation and research will not be used without seeking the consent of the patients. Furthermore, Human rights Act 1998 (HRA 98) establishes client’s right to respect for private and family life and thus care practitioners have a legal obligation of protecting the privacy of their clients through ensuring the confidentiality of the health records. The care practitioners are expected to undertake measures that will protect confidentiality such as recording the information accurately, keeping the information in physically secure locations and ensuring that the authorised people only access health records in the care facility (Walker 2007). The care practitioners are expected to provide written records on all events including medical observations, diagnoses, prognoses, examination tests and prescriptions and such records must be written clearly and in a language that can be understood by the client. In this case, the care professionals must avoid unnecessary abbreviations, irrelevant speculations, offensive and subjective statements based on the observable characteristics of the client and must refrain from issuing irrelevant personal opinions that is not based on medical examinations (Basford & Slevin 2003). The care practitioners must store the client information in a electronically and physically secure locations and staff must not leave portable computers that may facilitate the destruction of information. The information files must be stored under lock and key when not in use and fire-proof cabinets must be used if possible (Walker 2007). According to McSherry, McSherry & Watson (2012), the electronic filing system must have secure passwords and different access privileges must be granted to the authorised users only. In disclosing information, the care professionals are required to follow the established sharing protocols and must justify the purpose of sharing the information with the right people. Maintaining client confidentiality of information ensures client empowerment through increasing client participation through providing critical and private information that enables the care worker to understand the needs of the client. Safeguarding confidentiality of information will ensure clients attain self-worth and dignity thus promoting the quality of the care relationship. For instance, care workers must keep information regarding certain illness confidential in order to ensure clients are not discriminated in the society. Breach of confidentiality will affect the ongoing relationship since clients will develop feelings of betrayal and refrain from disclosing confidential information to other care workers. 3.0 Promoting individuals’ right to choice, dignity, independence and safety According to the principles of care, good practice entitles the clients the right to make personal choice, the right to human dignity and right to safety while at the care premises. The clients must be accorded the opportunity to make their choices regarding the nature of care and treatment that they desire among the different treatment options that are available in order to increase the rate of participation and satisfaction with the services (Peate 2010). For instance, the clients who may undergo medical procedures such as chemotherapy must be provided with detailed information on the procedures, the purpose of the treatment and any possible medical complications in order to make an informed choice on whether to undergo such treatment (Walker 2007). In addition, the client must be provided with information on the available alternative medical and care procedures that can be used to prevent or treat similar medical conditions or diseases. Philips (2007) asserts promoting individual’s right to choice, dignity and independence empowers the client through enabling them select their preferred mode of treatment and enabling them express their opinions and feelings (Walker 2007). In this case, lack of independence may lead to poor care outcomes and negative relationships with the clients that ultimately lead to feelings of betrayal and social exclusion. 4.0 Promoting effective communication and relationships Effective communication and building cordial relationships with clients is another principle of care that ensures care workers share ideas, information and opinions with clients. Effective communication skills enables care workers to listen to client needs through use of open questions, paraphrasing, clarification and summarisation of information. The care professionals are expected to avoid technical jargons while providing information to clients and use the services of language interpreters when there is a language barrier between the client and the practitioner (Philips 2007). Accordingly, the clients feel empowered if the care environment fosters two-way informal communication. At the same time, effective communication skills enable care practitioners to show empathy and ensure clients understand the messages appropriately thus enhancing the ability of clients to provide confidential information (Byers & White 2004). The care workers must understand sign language, facial expressions and hand gestures to understand unique needs of the clients. Appropriate communication skills empower clients through strengthening the therapeutic and enabling clients to understand medical terminologies and avoid numerous complaints about the nature of the care (Philips 2007). 5.0 Protecting individuals from abuse Good practices require the care workers to protect their clients from physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse. The care workers must refrain from handling clients roughly or sexual intimidation and other forms of abuse such as neglecting the client. The clients who may be at risk of abuse include children, people with mental health problems and people with disabilities. The economic and social factors will also determine the response of the client towards care since individuals from poor economic backgrounds may show little interest in the care due to their inability to afford quality care services and preoccupation with other family-related issues (Byers & White 2004). Clients who experience social support from family members and close friends respond well to the care process since social support enables the client to appreciate the need of participating in the care (Walker 2007). 6.0 Acknowledging individuals personal beliefs and identity and respecting diversity The care professionals are expected to understand their own worldviews and those of their clients in order to avoid stereotyping and offer culturally-competent care by catering for the differences in beliefs and preferences for care (Philips 2007). This results to client empowerment thus enabling clients to express their personal opinions and feelings regarding the preferred treatment and personal needs during the care process (Walker 2007). The caregivers must have an understanding of different cultures in order to avoid discrimination in treatment on the cultural differences and ensure clients express their cultural opinions regarding the treatment. Some cultural beliefs require the female clients to be treated by female practitioners while some religious beliefs such as Jewish prohibit the eating of certain foods such as pork (Byers & White 2004). According to Philips (2007), the ethnic customs, taboos and traditions of the client influence how one responds to the care or communicates with the care professionals in the care environment. Some ethnic groups have certain beliefs on causes of disability thus may demonstrate lack of involvement in care process and feelings of self-pity. In this case, care workers must guide clients in challenging those negative beliefs (McSherry, McSherry & Watson 2012). On the other hand, the staff at the health facility may expect total compliance and may not keep an open approach towards care due to disrespect of the client’s traditional healing practices. In this case, good practice requires the care professionals to value cultural diversity, have the capability to conduct client cultural assessment and understand how the dynamics of each culture affect the care delivery (Philips 2007). The health facilities must recruit staff who represent linguistic and cultural diversity and must avoid stereotyping behaviours that may lead to agitation and hostility from the clients. The close family members may assist with information when the client encounters communication barriers and the views of the client regarding the nature of illness and its causes must be incorporated in the care plan (Walker 2007). Acknowledging diversity empowers clients since they are capable of appreciating their unique identity and personal beliefs during the care process. 7.0 Addressing human needs According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, care workers must foster the psychological needs of their clients through provision of food, shelter and drinks (Basford & Slevin 2003). In this case, care workers must empower clients through provision of the appropriate diet and shelter depending on the client requirements and personal beliefs. For instance, Muslim clients in a care facility are not supposed to be provided with pork in their meals (Philips 2007). In addition, clients require safety needs while at the care facility and the environment must enable the clients to be free from fear and feel secure. The care setting should be free from noise, unfavorable weather and certain services such as cleaning the client must be done in private rooms (Basford & Slevin 2003). Another critical need that is offered by care workers are the social needs that facilitate client empowerment through building cohesive families, showing love and affection. Clients need a sense of belongingness and care workers must foster meaningful relations that enable clients to attain their social needs. The care workers must build trustful relationships that foster client empowerment through showing empathy and compassion to clients (Philips 2007). In this case, clients are capable of developing social skills and reduces chances of stressful situations that may lead to client withdrawal from the ongoing care relationships. Furthermore, human beings aim at attaining esteem needs such as self-respect, independence, status, prestige and achievement. It is the duty of care workers to promote client self-esteem through upholding the values of human dignity and recognising the status of the individual in the society (Basford & Slevin 2003). For instance, older people must be addressed with courtesy in order to recognise their high status in the society Lastly, clients require self-actualisation needs such as self-fulfillment, personal growth and realisation of personal potential. The care workers will empower clients through providing them with guidelines on how to attain personal growth needs and self-actualisation such as encouraging them to participate in community affairs (Basford & Slevin 2003). For instance, the care worker must provide information to the client on the numerous business opportunities that are available for people with disabilities in the economy. 7.0 provision of individualised care The principles of good practice will ensure equality and inclusion in access to care and ensure clients are free to share personal feelings and feelings with the care workers. In this case, the care workers are able to adhere to person-centred values that include respecting the privacy of the client, promoting client individuality and independence in making informed care choices and ensuring respect of diversity and dignity of the client regardless of the existing cultural differences. The care workers are able to work together, collaborate and support each other in promoting the interests of their clients rather than promoting institutional interests (Walker 2007). Accordingly, care workers will be capable of displaying respect for human dignity and foster values of humility, honesty and openness while communicating with their clients regardless of the identifiable characteristics of the clients. Conclusion The principles of care facilitate client empowerment through preventing discrimination and ensuring client information confidentiality during care delivery. The principles ensure clients are treated with respect and dignity and care is centered on the individual needs and cultural beliefs of the client. in addition, the principles enable the care professionals to form and foster effective communication and cordial therapeutic relationships with clients thus improving the information sharing between the care professional and client and creating an environment of mutual trust. The equality Act 2010 prohibits all manner of discrimination in care delivery while Data protection Act 1998 protects client privacy and confidentiality of information and care professionals must be aware of the existing legislation that protects the interests of their clients. The clients must be guided in making informed choices regarding their preferred mode of treatment and care professionals are required to respect their dignity and provide an enabling environment that facilitates healing. In this case, the beliefs and preferences of the clients such as preferred diet, beliefs regarding the cause of the illness and customs while affect the selection of the medicines, diet and comfortable dressing of the client. Reference list: Basford, L & Slevin, O. 2003. Theory and practice of nursing: an integrated approach to patient care. Cheltenham: Nelson Thormes. Byers, J.F & White, S.V. 2004. Patient safety: principles and practice. New York: Springer. Davies, P. 2007. The NHS in the UK: a pocket guide 2007/2008. London: NHS Confederation. McSherry, M., McSherry, R & Watson, R. 2012. Care in nursing: principles, values and skills. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Peate, I. 2010. Nursing care and the activities of living. Chichester: Blackwell publishers. Philips, J. 2007. Care. Cambridge: Malden. Walker, J. 2007. Psychology for nurses and the caring professions. Maidenhead: Berkshire. Read More