Ethical issues and dilemmas — AQA Education QCF Health & Social Care Revision
This subtopic examines the ethical principles guiding health and social care practice, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. Learne
Topic Synopsis
This subtopic examines the ethical principles guiding health and social care practice, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. Learners explore the nature of ethical dilemmas where these principles conflict, requiring careful analysis and justification of decisions. Through applying recognised ethical frameworks, students develop the ability to resolve complex care scenarios in a principled manner.
Key Concepts & Core Principles
- Person-centred care: A holistic approach that places the individual at the centre of decision-making, respecting their preferences, values, and autonomy. Key theorists include Carl Rogers (unconditional positive regard) and Kitwood (person-centred dementia care).
- The Care Act 2014: This legislation sets out the legal framework for assessing and meeting care needs in England, emphasising well-being, prevention, and integration of services. It requires local authorities to provide personalised care and support plans.
- Maslow's hierarchy of needs: A motivational theory that prioritises needs from basic physiological requirements (e.g., food, shelter) to self-actualisation. In care, professionals must address lower-level needs before higher-level ones, but individual circumstances may alter this order.
- Empowerment and advocacy: Empowerment involves enabling individuals to take control of their own care decisions, while advocacy ensures their voice is heard, especially when they lack capacity. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 underpins these practices.
- Multi-disciplinary working: Effective care often requires collaboration between professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists) to address complex needs. This concept includes understanding roles, communication, and potential conflicts.
Exam Tips & Revision Strategies
- In scenario-based questions, map out the conflicting ethical principles before selecting a framework to ensure a focused response.
- Use a structured approach: identify the dilemma, state the relevant principles, apply a named framework step-by-step, then conclude with a justified recommendation, addressing counter-arguments.
- Demonstrate breadth by referencing different ethical theories, but depth by selecting the most appropriate one for the given context and explaining why it is preferable.
- Practice writing balanced conclusions that acknowledge the complexity of real-world care settings and avoid absolute statements.
Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing ethical principles with legal requirements or organisational policies, leading to a superficial analysis.
- Failing to distinguish between a genuine ethical dilemma (where two or more ethical principles clash) and a straightforward practical difficulty.
- Applying an ethical framework rigidly without adapting it to the nuances of the scenario, resulting in an oversimplified conclusion.
- Neglecting to consider the service user's perspective and autonomy, instead prioritising professional or institutional preferences.
Examiner Marking Points
- Award credit for clearly identifying and defining relevant ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice within a given scenario.
- Reward analysis that explicitly outlines the conflicting principles and the reasons why a situation constitutes an ethical dilemma, not merely a practical problem.
- Credit application of a recognised ethical framework (e.g., deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, or the four principles approach) with reasoned justification linking to the specifics of the case.
- Look for balanced evaluation that considers the perspectives of all stakeholders (service user, family, professionals, organisation) and acknowledges potential limitations of the chosen framework.