Ethics and Professional

Practices
SUBJECT CODE: WEL202A
ASSESSMENT 3
(PRESENTER)
 Introduction
•Ethical frameworks:
•Provide structured approach to navigate complex ethical dilemmas (Grote & Berens, 2020).
 Vulnerable Group
•The Elderly:
•Unique Challenges: Health issues,
social isolation, financial dependence
•Specific Needs: Healthcare, social support,
financial Security.
•Inclusivity: Tailoring interventions to
address their unique challenges
(Storey, 2020)
 Fundamental Ethical Principles
Ethical principles Definition

Autonomy Obtaining informed consent, have the capacity to

make independent choices (Canca, 2020)

Beneficence maximize benefits and minimize harm, well-being

and safety of vulnerable groups (McCullough, 2020)

Justice Fair distribution of burdens and benefits, prevents

exploitation of vulnerable populations and promotes
inclusivity (Varkey, 2021)
 Framework for Ethical Decision
Making
• Understand the Context:
• Unique challenges faced
• Consider cultural, social, and economic factors
• Respect Autonomy:
• Involve them actively in decision-making processes
• Respect their preferences and choices.
• Cultural Competence:
• Develop cultural competence
• Navigate diverse backgrounds within vulnerable populations.
• Observe cultural nuances and adapt communication and interventions accordingly (Greene-Moton & Minkler,
2020).
 Framework for Ethical Decision
Making
• Beneficence and Non-Maleficence:
• Maximize benefits and minimizing harm
• Assess the potential risks and benefits of decisions
• Prioritize the well-being of vulnerable clients (Valentine & Godkin, 2019).
• Advocacy:
• Protect their rights
• Challenge systemic issues contributing to vulnerability
• Confidentiality and Trust:
• Build and maintain trust
• Clearly communicate the limits of confidentiality
 Framework for Ethical Decision
Making
• Continuous Education:
• Stay informed about evolving ethical standards and best practices
• Collaboration:
• With interdisciplinary teams to ensure a holistic approach
• Seek input from diverse professionals
• Reflection and Supervision:
• Reflect on ethical dilemmas
• Seek supervision and consultation
• Systems-Oriented Approach:
• Consider the broader systemic factors contributing to vulnerability
• Advocate for policy changes and systemic improvements
 Importance of Informed Consent
•Foundational Ethical Principle
•Legal and Ethical Imperative
•Respect for Persons
•Addressing Vulnerability
•Identifying Vulnerable Participant (Zagaja, 2020)
 Case Study
•Understanding context: Mrs. Beesly, an 84-year-old woman with cognitive decline, refuses
medical treatment recommended by her family.
•Identification of Ethical Issues: balance between respecting her autonomy and ensuring her
well-being.
•Principles Applied: Respect, Beneficence and Justice
•Decision-Making Framework: uses ethical
decision-making framework
 Case Study
•Reflection: Mrs. Thompson's values and preferences,
aligning with ethical considerations
•Ethical decision framework application:
• Evaluating the means and ends to ensure Mrs.
Thompson's autonomy is respected while safeguarding
her well-being
 Strategies for Risk Mitigation
•Proactive Risk Management: identify and reduce potential threats before they escalate
•Safeguarding High-Risk Populations
•Risk-Informed Development
•Medical Management of Vulnerable Populations
•Supply Chain Risk Management
•Risk Management for Non-Profit Organizations
(Eriksen et al., 2021)
 References
Canca, C. (2020). Operationalizing AI ethics principles. Communications of the ACM, 63(12), 18-21.
Epting, S. (2021). Vulnerable groups, virtual cities, and social isolation. Technology in Society, 67, 101711.
Eriksen, S., Schipper, E. L. F., Scoville-Simonds, M., Vincent, K., Adam, H. N., Brooks, N., ... & West, J. J. (2021). Adaptation
interventions and their effect on vulnerability in developing countries: Help, hindrance or irrelevance?. World Development, 141,
105383.
Greene-Moton, E., & Minkler, M. (2020). Cultural competence or cultural humility? Moving beyond the debate. Health promotion
practice, 21(1), 142-145.
Grote, T., & Berens, P. (2020). On the ethics of algorithmic decision-making in healthcare. Journal of medical ethics, 46(3), 205-211.
McCullough, L. B. (2020). Beneficence and wellbeing: A critical appraisal. The American Journal of Bioethics, 20(3), 65-68.
Storey, J. E. (2020). Risk factors for elder abuse and neglect: A review of the literature. Aggression and violent behavior, 50, 101339.
Valentine, S., & Godkin, L. (2019). Moral intensity, ethical decision making, and whistleblowing intention. Journal of Business
Research, 98, 277-288.
Varkey, B. (2021). Principles of clinical ethics and their application to practice. Medical Principles and Practice, 30(1), 17-28.
Zagaja, A. (2020). Quality of informed consent in clinical trials. Journal of Pre-Clinical and Clinical Research, 14(1).