Megan Middleton Ethics in health and social care Unit 9. P4, P5, M3
P4-Explain how to incorporate ethical principles into the provision of support for individuals.
P5- Explain why an ethical approach may provide workers with dilemmas.
M3- Justify how an ethical approach to providing support would benefit the individuals.
There are 4 fundamental ethical principles, these are;
the principle of respect for autonomy
the principle of beneficence
the principle of non-maleficence
the principle of justice
These ethical principles are not set policies, but they can help health care professionals to make
decisions when considering moral issues in the work place. Empowerment, duty and vulnerable
individuals are also included in these principles. Every ethical principle is faced with conflicts, but the
things that the patient will benefit from should be put first. Ethical principles are based on morality,
so it is important for health care workers to have a clear understanding of this as it will enable them
to apply it to health and social care practice.
The autonomy principle also known as the principle of human dignity and it is based upon the fact
that all individuals must respect the independence of others. this includes the decisions that are
made regarding the individuals own life, meaning that we should not intervene with decisions that
have been made by capable adults. The principle of respect results in honesty in dealing with others
and the responsibility to fulfil any promises made.
The beneficence principle states that all actions should generate good outcomes In regard to the
well-being of others. the patient’s best interests should be acknowledged and respected when they
are receiving care, as this is the health and social care professional’s duty. This may be when certain
cooperation’s develop policies against patients developing personal relationships. The main result of
this principle is to keep people safe from harm. But this may lead to conflict as the independence of
others should be respected.
The main responsibility of the non-maleficence principle is to cause no harm to others, as well as
causing as little pain as possible when treating a patient. This is a part of the ethical decision-making
process. Harm cannot always be avoided as it may be inflicted when the individual is receiving
lifesaving surgery. The main outcomes of the non-maleficent are to minimise harm, not escalate the
risk of harm to others and to not waste resources. Both non-maleficence and beneficence should
result in more good and harm.
The principle of justice ensures that all individuals should be given whatever they are entitled to.
This may be to treat others equally and fairly. The main result of this principle is to prevent any extra
burdens onto the individual. People must work in favour of the individuals who are being treated
unfairly.
Individuals can gain control over their own lives if they are empowered to do so. Individuals that are
vulnerable may need to depend on professionals to promote their personal independence.
Therefore, it is important that the health professional empowers the service user and does not make
life changing decisions for the individual, this is due to some health professionals believing that they
have the service users best interests at heart when they may only be denying the service user of
being independent. This may be denying the service user alcohol in a pub or bar, when they are
capable of making their own decision.
P4-Explain how to incorporate ethical principles into the provision of support for individuals.
P5- Explain why an ethical approach may provide workers with dilemmas.
M3- Justify how an ethical approach to providing support would benefit the individuals.
There are 4 fundamental ethical principles, these are;
the principle of respect for autonomy
the principle of beneficence
the principle of non-maleficence
the principle of justice
These ethical principles are not set policies, but they can help health care professionals to make
decisions when considering moral issues in the work place. Empowerment, duty and vulnerable
individuals are also included in these principles. Every ethical principle is faced with conflicts, but the
things that the patient will benefit from should be put first. Ethical principles are based on morality,
so it is important for health care workers to have a clear understanding of this as it will enable them
to apply it to health and social care practice.
The autonomy principle also known as the principle of human dignity and it is based upon the fact
that all individuals must respect the independence of others. this includes the decisions that are
made regarding the individuals own life, meaning that we should not intervene with decisions that
have been made by capable adults. The principle of respect results in honesty in dealing with others
and the responsibility to fulfil any promises made.
The beneficence principle states that all actions should generate good outcomes In regard to the
well-being of others. the patient’s best interests should be acknowledged and respected when they
are receiving care, as this is the health and social care professional’s duty. This may be when certain
cooperation’s develop policies against patients developing personal relationships. The main result of
this principle is to keep people safe from harm. But this may lead to conflict as the independence of
others should be respected.
The main responsibility of the non-maleficence principle is to cause no harm to others, as well as
causing as little pain as possible when treating a patient. This is a part of the ethical decision-making
process. Harm cannot always be avoided as it may be inflicted when the individual is receiving
lifesaving surgery. The main outcomes of the non-maleficent are to minimise harm, not escalate the
risk of harm to others and to not waste resources. Both non-maleficence and beneficence should
result in more good and harm.
The principle of justice ensures that all individuals should be given whatever they are entitled to.
This may be to treat others equally and fairly. The main result of this principle is to prevent any extra
burdens onto the individual. People must work in favour of the individuals who are being treated
unfairly.
Individuals can gain control over their own lives if they are empowered to do so. Individuals that are
vulnerable may need to depend on professionals to promote their personal independence.
Therefore, it is important that the health professional empowers the service user and does not make
life changing decisions for the individual, this is due to some health professionals believing that they
have the service users best interests at heart when they may only be denying the service user of
being independent. This may be denying the service user alcohol in a pub or bar, when they are
capable of making their own decision.
