Ethics Case Study Analysis Sun Yi

This particular social worker operates in a critical model. The case will be discussed according to the inclusive model of ethical decision making that was proposed by McAuliffe & Chenoweth (2008). First the ethical dilemma will be defined clearly and precisely together with those involved, followed by ethical analysis of the problem and finally critical analysis and evaluation to make the final decision. Ethical Dilemma Definition of the Ethical Issue/ Dilemma Sun Yi is critically ill and is in palliative care unit, for pain management and end-of-life care, tiring very easily and unable to communicate properly. The ethical dilemma in this case is concerning who should support Sun Yi and her son. Secondly, unknown to us are the ethical guidelines of Midwest Health Services but they might clash with Sun Yi's request thus possibly creating conflict between the worker and her employer.

With regard to the professional roles and boundaries, the case could probably create issues in relation to the workers attitudes towards guardianship. The social worker also needs to take care and not let her personal views and opinions blur her decisions concerning a vulnerable patient. Questions Related to Ethical Issues and Conflicts, Legal Issues and Human Rights Issues As a social worker in this case, the situation raises a number of questions with regard to ethical issues and conflicts, legal issues and human rights issues including; • Is it right for me (the social worker) to be appointed as the guardian in this case? • Should Sun Yi's will and preference be respected? • Should I discuss the guardianship issue with the family, Sun Yi’s sister in particular, and see how things were before visiting the healthcare facility? • Should David’s father be involved in making the decision as to who will support his son? • Is it right if I should adopt the wait and see approach and uphold Sun Yi's will and preference? Individuals, Groups and Organizations Likely to be Affected by this Ethical Decision • The patient, Sun Yi, a 33-year-old woman, with a rare and aggressive type of cancer.

She has previously been an inpatient at the acute hospital, in Midwest. • The medical staff including the nursing staff in the hospital including their legal and ethical objectives. The decision to have the social worker support Sun Yi and her son is a legal issue. • Midwest Healthcare Services. This organization is involved ad an employer and is a stakeholder in the prices of decision making as this issue could clash the ethical standards of the institution. Ethical Decision-Making Considerations Humans Rights Law With regard to Article 12 of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2007), the rights given to persons with disabilities include; i. to be protected from violence and abuse; iii. to be a part of a family; iv.

to privacy respected Sun Yi's case where she requests support from the social worker is considered in relation to her right to equal treatment, be part of a family and their right to be supported in exercising their legal capacity. Legislation The Guardianship and Administration in Victoria is governed by the Guardianship and Administration Act 1986. The legislation “was considered groundbreaking” (Chesterman, 2010) at the time it was enacted. In this case, if Sun Yi's sister has the guardianship order according to Section 5A of the Medical Treatment Act of 1988 and the Guardianship Act 1986, she would have legal powers to make decisions not only about Sun Yi’s treatment but also about the support of both herself and her son. As she is above 18, the Australian law recognizes her right to make any decision regarding herself and her son who is two years old.

Social Work Principles In the Social Work Code of Ethics (AASW, 2010), advocacy for clients is an essential principle. According to this code, social workers are supposed to be committed in:- • Working against oppression; • Empowerment of clients; • Promoting social justice and human rights; • Enhancing both the emotional and social well-being of their clients; and • Promoting greater inclusiveness in the society. This code specifies social service in line with humane principles, and well as the respect for the individual’s independence while paying attention to other people’s rights. An additional view of an individual with a brain injury in conjunction with his efforts to be heard and treated equally in her competence while making decisions about herself and her son’s future is demonstrated (Goold & Herring, 2014).

Within a critical paradigm, it is essential to perceive the ethical decision making process directly when relating to the consequences, as well as look into the relationships between the individuals involved in the case (Herring, 2017). McDonald (2006) suggests they the denial of the existing power inequality in the society is only helpful to the powerful. Hence, in this case, an vulnerable client is placed in possible opposition to the representatives of two major powerful institutions, that is, the medical profession and the family. Organization Policies The community health center is represented by the social worker in this scenario and the legal ramifications for the center are negligible as the decision will be made with hospital staff present. • In case Sun Yi’s family is it informed, this decision could put the social worker in a difficult situation upon confrontation by the family holding him or her responsible for taking decisions against their emotions or feelings.

2) Reject Sun Yi’s request This will involve clashing with personal values and ethics. A meeting between Sun and a medical personnel will be set up so that she can discuss the issue herself. According to the Code of ethics (AASW, 2010), the worker will organize and provide a competent replacement, who is to be fully aware of Sun’s background and history. Also, refusal could be based on the issues if the family. This right is under the common law. Her decision is given a priority, which is one requirement in such situations (AASW). Therefore, the social worker should comply with her request, set up meetings with relevant parties on his behalf and advocate for her request to support her and her family.