Reflective Diary on Professional Ethics, Equality and Human Rights, and Anti-Discrimination in Healthcare

This reflective diary explores the topics of professional ethics, equality and human rights, and anti-discrimination in healthcare. It discusses the learning experiences, feelings, evaluations, and action plans related to each topic. The diary entries provide insights into the importance of these concepts in the healthcare industry and the need for continuous personal development.

Reflective Diary

Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................3
Reflective Log: Number 1 Professional ethics as a tool kit.........................................................................3
Reflective Log: Number 2 Equality and Human rights in healthcare...........................................................5
Reflective Log: Number 3 Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Oppressive Practice in Health care....................6
CONCLUSION...........................................................................................................................................8
References...................................................................................................................................................8

Introduction
Reflection is referred to as a crucial approach to learning through experiences and
gaining new insights about self or one’s practice (Brockbank, McGill and Beech,2017). This
project takes into consideration reflective account of 3 individually created diary entries with the
support of a reflective model. For this project, Gibbs reflective model have been employed to
complete the diary entries. The reason for using this reflective model is that it gives a systematic
approach while fulfilling the requirements and provide a structure which are essential elements
to a research diary(Kulkarni and Kulkarni,2017). The right use of this model will assure that
requirements of this project are fulfilled appropriately.
Reflective Log: Number 1 Professional ethics as a tool kit
Description
Considering a week activity, we were asked to debate upon the effectiveness of identifying the
role that has been played by ethics while dealing with a patient. These are referred to as moral
principles and guidelines which helps in governing behaviour of an individual. During the class
section I was able to identify the roles that has been played by ethics and the principles that are
provided along with. The module gave us with situations involving ethical dilemma which are
often faced by nurses and doctors while working with patients. The module was a big stepping
stone for me as I was able to gather an understanding related to ethical challenges that has been
faced by nurses (Duboust, 2018). Moreover, this week activity helped me in understanding the
professional and legal obligation that are enforced on a nurse. It is said that principles formed are
a bit confusing and does not always work for the benefits of patients.
Feelings
This was my first time when I am being involved with such a crucial subject of
professional ethics. This module activity has redefined the manner in which roles and
responsibilities of nurses are described. Initially I was not able to grasp this concept as it a bit
confusing and complex after I spent some time understanding the concept it became relatively
clear to me. But it can be said that my initial feelings were unsure due to lack of practical
experience I was not able to justify its relevance and importance to my probable field of

profession. However, after through simulation exercises and some questions presented by the
tutor I was sure of its relevance to the subject and had strong feelings.
Evaluation/Analysis
I enjoyed being part of this weeklymodule exercise supported with group discussion as I was
able to get a grasp on relatively new subject. The contrasting views and opinions which were put
forward by other members and tutor helped me in gaining a different perspective.There was an
application of different theoretical perspectives to helps us understand the given subject.
Through application of Four Principles ApproachI was able to identify the fundamentals of
ethics which is particularly based on autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and most
importantly justice. The positive aspect was this crucial model have helped me in identifying the
fundamentals which are to be applied to practice. When it comes to simplifying the ethical code
of conduct, there have been employment of theories such as Utilitarianism and deontology. The
another theoretical concept that we were told during this weekly exercise was Ethical
Relativism. This particular model has helped us in identifying the cultural differences which are
faced by us. This has been an important theoretical section as it tends to be in contrast with the
theory of applicability of universal rules (Fletcher, 2019). To be honest, this theoretical concept
was a bit complicated and beyond my understanding to a certain extent. However, lack of
attention and participation during the class session can be another cause of lesser understanding
on the subject area.
What would you do next/action plan
One thing that I am very certain of is that this experience has taught me a lot. The
presence of model such as four principles and ethical relativism have contributed to a good
understanding on the subject matter. I was able to gather sufficient understanding on the subject
of Ethics and its relevance to the healthcare industry. However, there are certain aspects on
which I have to work more to contribute more effectively to the group. First of all, I have to be
more attentive when it comes to class sessions so that I am able to gather as much knowledge on
the subject as possible. Secondly, I have to involve myself as much as in the group discussion so
that I am able to clear out my queries and contribute as much as possible to the debate.

Reflective Log: Number 2 Equality and Human rights in healthcare
Description
In the weekly session 17, There was a discussion on the stature of equality and human
rights in the healthcare industry. This lesson attempted to identify the role that has been played
by CQC in restoring equality in this industry.The reason for establishment of such commission is
that there is a certain degree of inequality exists in the healthcare industry as well. The initial
response to this subject is good as I was able to relate this aspect. Being a minority I am well
aware of the importance of equitable treatment for a human being. Tutor further communicated
that this is one of the crucial aspect which is to be emphasized when delivering service.
Feeling
The initial feeling was of extreme of restlessness and excitement because I was initially
attracted to subject and topic areas which were to be covered in this session. When tutor was
lecturing about the importance of equality in healthcare sector I felt that I have learned a
different aspect which I have never thought about. I was unaware of the fact that inequality exists
in the healthcare sector as well. I was under the false impression that all the patients’/service
users are treated in an equitable manner. Then we were informed about the presence of Care
quality commission which is responsible for regulating the stature of equality and quality which
has been offered to the general public. There are some laws established by government such as
The Equality Act, UK (2010) & The Human Rights Act, UK (1998) which are responsible to
make sure that human being are treated equally irrespective of their caste, culture, religion or
race. I have learned that there is a committee and legislations are formed which are responsible
to assure that equality and quality in healthcare service delivery is met. This was a new learning
for me and I felt proud of myself that I have gained a new perspective about my future job.
Evaluation/Analysis
Involving in this activity was initially was interesting and attractive as I had never
participated in any such activities. But gradually with the accomplishment of the activity
satisfactorily I realised the importance of implementing such concept and the extent to which it
facilitates the human in getting equal and fair treatment. During the activity the principle of
FREDA was evaluated from the context of healthcare people. It was analysed that fairness,

respect, equality, dignity and autonomy to them is crucial as it implies that they are treated
ethically. I had to interact with different people at the time of discussing the theme of equality
and human right in healthcare and this make me realise that people in the healthcare industry are
not treated equally. I had belief those different people offers you to learn about how the people
react in different situation and regarding their outlook towards other and the society but it is not
always the reality (Fletcher, 2019). Such behaviour of the team becomes unacceptable as all has
provided equal rights and opportunities as per laws. But the situation made me learn a new
concept and prevailing situation due to which I felt bad as this could have been treated much
better.
What do you want to do next/action plan?
Participating in a discussion on the stature of equality and human rights in the healthcare
industry certainly helped me in developing an understanding of importance of equality in
healthcare industry. As for the discussion I had to go through various acts and legislations which
are imposed for ensuring the concern, it enhances the understanding significantly for the
concern. With the help of this in future I could certainly work considering all such aspects as
they are crucial for maintain the culture and keeping all the other professions at par. Various
approaches associated with the ethical, legal, business and economic arguments that are provided
will be utilised so as to ensure the equality among all.
Reflective Log: Number 3 Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Oppressive
Practice in Health care
Date: November 2019- March 2020
Description
Being a student, throughout the module I participated in various activities that can add on to my
skills and can improve my abilities to deal with various problems. I took part in various activities
such as sessions and seminars upon various crucial concerns like role of equality and human
rights, importance of ethics and ethical behaviour within the organisation etc. Due to my interest
in all this my tutor told me about a debate organised on anti-discrimination and anti-oppressive
practices in health care. I found it quite interest as I get to know something new but for this

significant knowledge and understanding with which various situations need to be managed as I
had no idea of this stream (Duboust and Knight, 2018).
Feelings
Each and every time I participated I felt very nervous but gradually the improvement in
my personality motivated me to take part in more and more activities because this leads to
overall betterment. When I got to know about such debate I found the topic so interesting but
was confused whether to participate or not as it was out of my domain but when my tutor
encouraged me to participate. When I started gathering information related to the topic I realised
that discrimination are done on the basis of different factors and various legislations are imposed
by the government to deal with them. Various codes of practices, policies and procedures,
legislations and regulations are imposed. When I got to know about anti-oppressive practices that
aim to reduce discrimination, racism and oppression, I could not believe that it actually happens
in the healthcare industry. At this stage I again became nervous but when I look back to the
incidents related with previous participations it makes me realise that the confidence in the
performance of the individual is dependent upon the understanding they have for the concern and
I can gather as much information as I want.
Evaluation/Analysis
When I participated in different activities I discovered different me as each and every
time I had to perform better, for that I use to put all of my efforts. This time the participation was
undoubtedly difficult. To facilitate this I analyse the topics and its importance and accordingly
planned how to enhance the understanding and gather information. I could found out various
legislations, convention related to the discrimination on different grounds along with various
codes of conduct established by professional bodies, Organisational policies and procedures
related to the equal opportunities, bullying, harassment, confidentiality, health and safety etc.
while the procedure related to work practices, positive promotion of individual rights, advocacy;
staff recruitment, development and training. These are the crucial area where people from health
and social care industry face discrimination. After gather all such information I analysed that I
could perform better as my confidence level was improved. Participation in various activities
enabled me in establishing various relations with other as whenever I take part I had to interact

with so many people and due to this I could take help of my co-participant from health care
industry on this topic (Whitehall, 2018).
What would you do next/action plan
By participating in this activity I could develop understanding and knowledge in this field
and that will help me in future while executive various roles professionally. The participation
encouraged me to consider such practices and legislation, and to offer opportunities to one and
all. I learned various lessons that for regulating the behaviours it is important to have strict
guidelines and laws that can compel the individuals to follow them. I will participate in such
activities with such topics as with this not only knowledge improved but also I realised their
importance to execute the roles professionally. I would comply all my understanding regarding
various issues such as anti-discrimination and anti-oppressive practices in health care within the
organisation it I work in this industry as with this I could formulate a better team.
CONCLUSION
It is concluded from the above report that an individual has to perform various roles and
has to gather various skills to be successful. They have to undertake various roles with make
them learn various lessons that make them capable of taking various decisions etc. The
understanding developed regarding ethics, human rights, anti-discrimination practices for the
health care industry reflects the improved understanding, knowledge and ability to manage
various situation prevailing.
References
Brockbank, A., McGill, I. and Beech, N., 2017. Reflective learning in practice. In Reflective
learning in practice (pp. 18-28). Routledge.
Duboust, S. and Knight, P., 2018. Group Activities for Personal Development. Routledge.
Fletcher, L., 2019. How can personal development lead to increased engagement? The roles of
meaningfulness and perceived line manager relations. The International Journal of
Human Resource Management, 30(7), pp.1203-1226.
Griggs, V. and et al., 2018. From reflective learning to reflective practice: assessing
transfer. Studies in Higher Education, 43(7), pp.1172-1183.
Kulkarni, S. and Kulkarni, S., 2017. Communication models in internet of things: a
survey. International Journal of Science Technology & Engineering, 3, p.3.

Whitehall, A.P., and et al., 2018. Being smart is not enough to ensure success: Integrating
personal development into a general education course. The Journal of General
Education, 65(3-4), pp.241-263.