Introduction
The term ethical dilemma refers to a conflict arising from two courses of an action that are moral in nature. It implies engagement between acceptable codes of conduct and principles associated with them. There are four different ethical dilemmas: short-term versus long-term, truth versus loyalty, individual versus community, and justice versus mercy. Justice claims that one holds to their principles and rules despite the external forces present at that particular moment and considers fairness without any intention to situations or personalities. Mercy requires one to consider the individuals’ peculiar needs and seek benevolence in every way possible. This essay addresses the mercy versus ethical loyalty dilemma by applying a morality framework in making decisions in a predicament. Additionally, the role played by supervision and consultation will be addressed.
Morality Framework
The term morality framework refers to a set of codes used by individuals in guiding their behavior. The codes determine whether the behavior is acceptable or not. Most members of society prefer good behavior. Any character that goes against the set codes of conduct is punished, and one may be seen as a misfit. It follows the procedure shown below before coming to its conclusions.
- Recognizing the presence of an ethical issue that needs to be solved.
- Identify the central problem and the persons involved in it (Bryan et al., 2015).
- Considering applicable facts, principles, and laws which may be helpful in the process.
- Analyzing and determining the possible courses of the action which is in question.
- Making a relevant implementation of the solution.
Recognizing the Presence of an Ethical Issue
The issue relates to the topic or debate of discussion in any forum, including communication problems, depression, abuse, and even anxiety-related. Additionally, if the resolution involves harmful and reasonable alternatives, perhaps it could be either two ‘goods’ or bad (Bryan et al., 2015). Thus, this case presents two decisions that may bring about a solution to the dilemma. Therefore, in this scenario, the social worker may ignore the family’s requests and inform Michael about his condition without considering the patient’s reaction. Alternatively, the caregiver may decide to hide the truth from him and inform other staff to be silent about it. In this situation, both decisions have their positive and negative effects. Hence, the issue presented is ethical, whereby it presents two goods that conflict with each other.
Identifying the Major Problems and the Persons Involved
The underlying problem is difficulty in decision-making concerning the condition of Michael. It can be complex and pose challenges when trying to come up with possible solutions. Critical analysis of all factors leading to decisions whereby they must be considered. Any conclusion made is likely to affect the persons involved either negatively or positively. Therefore, it is inevitable that all the parties must be affected by the outcome.
Personal Decision
The first bold solution made previously was acting as per the family’s request. In addition to that, I will tell Michael the truth concerning his condition. This will enable him to be aware of his health status and develop survival mechanics. It will enable him to see life from a different perspective and be positive even with his condition. Secondly, I will inform the family to be silent about it and see whether Michael will reveal this news to them. Such a decision applies the principle of controlled emotional involvement in decision-making (Goldberg, 2000). It will enable the family to know the importance of controlling their emotions when dealing with critical matters. It is essential to fight emotions as failure to do so can lead to other conditions such as stress which are harmful to human life. Biblically, the value of self-control is a cherished principle in the lives of human beings as they should not act according to their feelings but as per the set commandments(Canda et al., 2011). Hence, it is important to practice self-control for a happier and healthy life.
Importance of Supervision and Consultation
The practice of supervision improves the satisfaction of the patient with the type of services offered. It ensures the client’s physical comfort to eliminate loneliness and negative thoughts, worsening the health condition. It promotes emotional support to create a conducive atmosphere for healing. Moreover, the performance of the healthcare workers is increased to ensure they attain their set targets. Furthermore, workers are motivated as they learn what suits the patients better.
Consultation
Consultation helps eradicate some beliefs and expectations held by sick individuals. Some patients do not believe in taking drugs to recover, but they may change their views and take them anyway once advised. It is imperative in the diagnosis and treatment plan to reveal critical information on the health condition. There is sharing of ideas when health workers consult each other, hence, clarification of issues. Thus, sharing with my supervisor about this dilemma would be beneficial as I might get some other approaches to making solutions.
I would be able to resolve disputes among the family and the patients without going against their expectations. It would maintain a clear conscience in me that I have done the right thing to all parties. This may help maintain the respect I have cultivated with my patient, thus, eradicating any doubt. Respectful relationships with my supervisor will be maintained since they will not view me as the sole decision-maker. It will maintain efficiency by saving time which might be wasted by engaging in arguments with the other parties.
To ensure a successful encounter with the supervisor, I would first inform him of the meeting, either formally or informally. If he agrees on a specific time to meet, I will arrive early by thirty minutes before him and then present to him the case dilemma. Additionally, telling him what the other parties needed and my personal decision would be my next move. Seeking from him some relevant solutions that he would make if the case were presented to him would be a smart move too.
I would also consider visiting a therapist who deals with mental health conditions. The professional may have more experience on how to counsel people with such issues. This would help me develop alternative methods of handling such patients. I would also seek an opinion of a spiritual leader such as a pastor and ask more about religious matters, which might give me more applicable therapy methods to the patient.
Additionally, I would consider what the law depicts on matters concerning healthcare practices, especially the fraud and abuse of rules in healthcare (Elias & Paradies, 2021). This would ensure the rights of patients are protected at all means. Patients have the right to expression without being dominated upon. I would restrict myself from illegally requesting extra funds illegally to facilitate the healing process, but instead, examine the patient’s economic status and act as per the standards.
Conclusion
In summary, the ethical dilemma in discussion has been evaluated considering the depiction of the morality framework. It comprises various steps which must be followed in making decisions. These include recognizing the presence of an ethical issue to be solved, identifying the central problem and the persons involved, considering relevant facts, principles, and laws which may be helpful in the process. Analyzing and determining the possible courses of action and making appropriate implementation of the solution.
References
Bryan, V., Sanders, S., & Kaplan, L. E. (2015). The helping professional’s guide to ethics. (1st ed.). Oxford University Press.
Canda, Edward & Furman, Leola & Benson, Perry. (2011). Christian social workers’ attitudes on the role of religion and spirituality in U.S. social work practice and education 1997-2008.. Social Work & Christianity. 38. 175-200. Web.
Elias, A., & Paradies, Y. (2021). The costs of institutional racism and its ethical implications for healthcare. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 18(1), 45-58. Web.
Goldberg, M. (2000). Conflicting principles in multicultural social work. Families in Society, 81(1), 12-21. Web.