Health and Social Care: Contemporary Issues - Ebola Report

This report examines contemporary issues in health and social care, with a specific focus on the Ebola virus and its impact on the UK. It explores how information related to Ebola reaches the public, analyzing various dissemination techniques like informative leaflets, websites, and media coverage, and evaluates their influence on attitudes and behaviors. The report also assesses the role of media in shaping public perception of Ebola, particularly concerning its potential use by terrorists, and provides methods for evaluating the reliability of media information. Furthermore, it investigates drug and alcohol abuse as a current issue, examining different perspectives and factors influencing them. The report concludes by analyzing the alignment of local and national attitudes and the consequences of contemporary thinking on health and social care provision and services.

CONTEMPORARY
ISSUES
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Explaining the way in which information in relation to Ebola and its treats relating to
health and social care reaches to public domain..........................................................................3
1.2 Analyzing different techniques for disseminating information relating to health and social
care to all people of UK...............................................................................................................5
1.3 Evaluating the way in which different ways in which information is disseminated can
influence the attitude, behavior of individual, groups, communities and professionals..............6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Different ways in which media may be used to influence the attitude and behaviour of
public in relation to use of Ebola by terrorists.............................................................................7
2.2 Evaluating the ways in which public can assess the reliability and validity of information
generated by media......................................................................................................................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Research on current issue of Drug and Alcohol abuse and different perspectives of
individuals on it...........................................................................................................................8
3.2 Monitoring the way in which information on different perspectives collected from reliable
source on Alcohol abuse have changed over time.......................................................................9
3.3 Assessing the relevance of data.............................................................................................9
3.4 The factors that have influenced the development of various perspective..........................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Analyzing the extent to which local attitudes reflects those found at national level...........10
4.2 Evaluating the validity of public attitude and behavior with regard to information that
Ebola virus is suspected to be used by terrorists.......................................................................10
4.3 Justifying the consequences of contemporary thinking for health and social care provision
and services................................................................................................................................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13
3

INTRODUCTION
The health and social care sector is an important segment that focuses on physical and
mental well being of individuals. Health and social sector also generates large number of
employment opportunities for individuals and aims at reducing unemployment level of country
(Arnold, Hammond and Oakes, 2004). Main aim of this sector is to minimize the cause of bad
health in order to provide healthy and strain free life to the members of country. The present
report is focused on the contemporary issues faced by health and care sector. At present, the
greatest threat among masses is about the outbreak of Ebola virus which is causing fatality at
large number. In this report, different techniques for disseminating information related to health
and social care to people of UK will be identified. The role of media in influencing the attitude
and behavior of people with regard to the use of Ebola by terrorists will be highlighted.
TASK 1
1.1 Explaining the way in which information in relation to Ebola and its treats relating to health
and social care reaches to public domain
Ebola is an uncommon and life taking disease caused by virus among genus Ebolavirus.
It has been identified by the medical researcher that this disease is transmitted from animals to
humans through blood, vomit, mucus or other fluids from body. There was serious outbreak of
Ebola in West Africa that infected around 28600 individuals. As per the report of global health
care regulatory body, more than 11300 people died due to this disease (News on Ebola, 2016).
The virus has high mortality rate with around 70-80%. Therefore, it has created a psychological
havoc on large number of population. Further, it is anticipated that this virus is intentionally
released by the terrorists and radical elements of society to threaten the life of individuals of
African countries. This can further disturb the normal lives of individuals and will inculcate
stress and fear within them (Calnan, Rowe and Entwistle, 2006.). Therefore, it is important for
them to stay well informed about the cause, treatment, symptoms, etc. For this aspect, different
information disseminating techniques can be used that help in informing large number of
population. However, it is significant for individual and government of nation to ensure the
reliability of source of information so that confirmation can be attained regarding authenticity of
4

information. Therefore, the information about Ebola and its treatment can be spread among
public domain through following media propaganda:
 Informative leaflets: In order to spread awareness among public at a large scale, I
believe that informative leaflets can be designed. In order to ensure the reliability of
information, support can be taken from leading health care organization like NHS, top
hospitals and care organization (Reis, Xiao and Savage, 2007). Informative leaflets must
contain information about the grounds of disease, its symptoms and available vaccines
like, VSV-EBOV. These leaflets can be distributed among government offices, schools,
colleges, universities, etc. They can also be made available in all the hospitals without
any charge.
 Websites: In order to inform wide spread population in a little duration, I think, internet
can be selected. The internet is accessed by maximum population and has the highest
popularity at present. Therefore, the information related to Ebola, the way in which it
infects a human body, indication like diarrhea with blood, extreme temperature around 39
degree C, acute pain in abdominal, etc. can be explained with the use of visual images.
Further, preventive actions can also be highlighted (Wales and Pryjmachuk, 2009).
Further on the website, numbers of health care professionals can be provided who can be
contacted in case of emergency. However, it is important to mention the source of
information in order to authenticate it.
5

 Portfolio of media coverage: A portfolio of media coverage can be prepared which will
contain information regarding allegation of Ebola virus, number of people infected, total
deaths, etc. can be prepared. Further, it is inception that information from a particular
source can be modulated from political source or pressure groups or to fulfill the religious
agendas, portfolio of media coverage will reduce the suspicion of biasness of one source
(Hurst and Patterson, 2014). Portfolio of media coverage will contain the entire
information that is generated by leading new channels, newspapers, statements by
professionals of NHS, WHO, etc.
1.2 Analyzing different techniques for disseminating information relating to health and social
care to all people of UK
In order to prevent people of UK from different diseases and to inform them on health
and social care aspects, different techniques for disseminating information can be used. These
techniques will further help in generating awareness among population so that they can
safeguard themselves and take adequate precautions on time (Kollberg Dahlgaard and Brehmer,
2007). Therefore, following techniques can be used:
 Research Register: It is an effective approach used and initiated by Social care Institute
for Excellence of UK which provides relevant information regarding studies conducted in
6

health care segments. It provides information about social care needs and methods among
adults and children (Richardson and Gurtner, 2009).
 Campaigns: Being the largest public sector health care provider, NHS conducts free
medical checkup, spread awareness about different diseases their cures, symptoms, etc. It
further directs people on medical issues and significance of healthy lifestyle (Harris,
2014). Relevant and important information can be obtained through such campaigns by
large number of people of UK.
 Mass media: It is an effective platform that helps in reaching large number of audience.
Apart from this, information can be spread by using mass media approaches like
newspapers, television, radio and internet portals (Leathard and et.al., 2007.). The
information generated on mass media has a strong influential impact on public.
Therefore, information related to health and social care can be transmitted through mass
media channels.
1.3 Evaluating the way in which different ways in which information is disseminated can
influence the attitude, behavior of individual, groups, communities and professionals
Various ways of disseminating information will have a direct impact on different groups
and individuals. The campaigns will be attended by large number of individuals and groups who
will avail the information about different diseases, their treatment, etc. These campaigns will
educate the individuals about personal hygiene. Further, counseling will be provided on health
care issues faced by young individuals mostly due to unhealthy lifestyle like taking alcohol, high
consumption of fast food, spending too much time on TV, internet, etc. Thereafter, the
campaigns will help in developing understanding about a disease and removing the myths in
society (Panicola, 2007). For instance, Aids does not spread through hand shake and Ebola is not
transmitted through air. Further, through mass media, the concern will be shown on increasing
child and elderly abuse. The measures that can reduce infant mortality rate and precautions that
can be used during intercourse will be explained. The disseminated information will improve life
style of individuals and will highlight the ill effects of negative practices like intake of drugs and
alcohol. The information generated through mass media, campaign and research register can be
used by the researchers for their medical study (Banister, 2010). The information on mass media
7

will spread awareness among public. Further, information of Ebola will be made available
through reliable source only. Therefore, public can make a sound judgment about a health care
issue.
TASK 2
2.1 Different ways in which media may be used to influence the attitude and behaviour of public
in relation to use of Ebola by terrorists
Media plays a strong and influential role in the present environment. It may create
anxiety disorder and fear among individuals which will further affect their overall attitude and
behaviour. From studying the provided case study, it has been identified that Ebola is thought as
bioterrorist approach which is intentionally used against East Africa. It has been suspected that
Ebola disease is spread by radical elements or pressure groups of society for fulfilling their
political, religious or any other financial motives (Pugh and Duffy, 2013). Various media
channels are presenting the information from different viewpoints which is also misguiding and
spreading anxiety and threat among public. Further, it is believed by me that public believes only
what they see on media channels whether it may or may not be true. It will further shape the
public opinion through using stereotype, prejudice and discriminative measures. Therefore,
without the true evidence, media is blaming the outbreak of Ebola as Bioterrorist approach which
may or may not correspond to reality (Brett and et.al., 2014). Further, media has created moral
panic among communities which may result into migration of individuals from East African
countries to other parts. Thereafter, it has been shown by media that Ebola will be used by
terrorists in common wealth games conducted at Glasglow in UK which is threatening the local
people. However, there is no authenticity of media allegations. Further, the information
generated through media can be moulded as per the political perception of various media
channels (Yarber, Sayad and Strong, 2013). For instance, people will believe that political party
X is better than Y as it is capable of keeping them safe from terrorism of Ebola. Hence, their
tensed relationship between community members threatened from Ebola and their voting
behaviours influenced by media. Therefore, new form of media can result into unrest among
various communities and impact their routine life (Cultural fear due to Ebola, 2015).
8

2.2 Evaluating the ways in which public can assess the reliability and validity of information
generated by media
In order to avoid stereotype or prejudice based conclusion on the alarming topic of Ebola
as bioterrorist attack, public is required to assess the reliability and validity of information.
Since, information is generated by both commercial and public source which can be overviewed
by the public (Thoits, 2013). However, individuals and groups should ensure that the information
they are assessing is not biased and more in favour of politic party, pressure group or religious
group. Therefore, the individual can get information through public TV channels where
information regarding sensational topics is transmitted only after the approval from government
officials or if information is supported by any evidence (Sources of information, 2015).
Therefore, public channels are more reliable. On the contrast, information in local and national
newspapers is generated after proper scrutiny and many times, source is mentioned. The
commercial magazines and TV channels have main motive of earning revenue therefore, they
can be easily influenced by political or pressure group by bribing (Reisch, Eberle and Lorek,
2013). Therefore, facts, opinion and arguments presented in a particular media should be
matched with others before reaching at any conclusion. Further, information on website should
be certified by health care organization or government to ensure its authenticity and reliability.
TASK 3
3.1 Research on current issue of Drug and Alcohol abuse and different perspectives of
individuals on it
The excessive intake of drug and alcohol are the major issues faced by different societies
around the globe. The alcohol and drug abuse have large number of negative consequences like
ill health, failure to fulfill responsibility at home, work life or personal life, violence, unprotected
sex and other social and economic issues. Further, it increases the dependency of individuals of
consumption of alcohol or drug. There are different perceptions on this issue of various groups
and individuals (Murero and Rice, 2013). The users have perspective that consuming alcohol is a
new trend which is now becoming an important priority for sustaining the social life. The
government has generated norms that only adequate level prescribed by it should be served in
pubs. Therefore, advertisement of alcohol cannot be given. The private organization has
9

perspective that alcohol is the means of earning for service organization like pubs, night clubs,
etc. However, public service providers have perception that they should only offer permissible
level of alcohol (Popescu, 2014). In addition to this, statutory warning against ill effects of
alcohol and drug must be highlighted.
3.2 Monitoring the way in which information on different perspectives collected from reliable
source on Alcohol abuse have changed over time
In order to generate awareness among masses regarding large number of harmful impacts
of alcohol, health care professionals can use various facts and figures. By this information,
alcohol users can be influenced to stop or limit their consumption. For instance, data shows that
64% of death in UK is due to alcohol abuse. Therefore, with the help of this information, youth
can be educated for abstaining from drug and alcohol consumption. However, the information
must be taken from reliable sources only (Connell, 2013). Therefore, news media, e-journals,
government and media website are some trusted sources that are used at present by health care
professionals. These sources are accessed by large number of individuals and therefore, with the
help of this, perceptions of consumers can be changed. At present, social media is also a strong
factor that helps in developing perception of users. However, the information available on social
media can be subject to opinion and can be easily manipulated therefore, it is not much reliable.
3.3 Assessing the relevance of data
It has been identified that information regarding alcohol abuse can be collected from
large number of traditional sources like newspapers, news media, journals and modern sources
like e-journals, government and media portals. Since, large number of audience makes their
judgment on the basis of this information therefore, it is important to ensure its reliability.
Therefore, I will ensure that information provided on internet is from listed or permitted author
only. Further, I will focus on the domain name of website and its suffix. If the purpose is to
promote a particular offering or pursuance regarding a specific view point then it may be biased
(Culhane and et.al., 2013). The past reputation of media channel and author of journal can be a
basis of ensuring the reliability of a source. Further, information on government site must not
favor any political part and must be certified in order to assure its reliability.
10

3.4 The factors that have influenced the development of various perspective
The perception of society and individuals at present is based on large number of factors
which shape their opinion, belief and attitude. In this respect, individuals can develop a negative
perception about those issues that are likely to impact their communal rights. The perception is
also generated by household background which means if the majority of members of family are
drinkers then youths are likely to follow the same practice. In certain Islamic countries, the
consumption of alcohol is against the religious and moral beliefs. With this respect, most of the
individuals develop their perception (Pugh and Duffy, 2013). On the contrast, Western countries
have ethically right to consume alcohol in permissible limits. In addition to this, Christianity and
Judaism also support alcohol consumption and consider it as a gift of god while Islam and
Buddhism consider it as a sin. Therefore, citizens develop their perception on the basis of
religious, moral and cultural beliefs.
TASK 4
4.1 Analyzing the extent to which local attitudes reflects those found at national level
The attitude, knowledge and awareness of individuals of East Africa on Ebola virus have
a strong impact on developing the perception of other individuals and organization at national
level. Since, the outbreak of disease was first diagnosed at East Africa. Therefore, it is important
for the local citizens to be fully aware of the disease, precautions, symptoms and treatment. If the
individuals at this level are not alert then same will be highlighted at international level (Reisch,
Eberle and Lorek, 2013). The Ebola outbreak at local level was taken seriously at national level
by renowned institutions like WHO, EU, etc. who helped in generating information, developing
health systems competent of forbidding, detecting and reacting to outbreak. The local level plays
an important role in reducing the risk at international level.
4.2 Evaluating the validity of public attitude and behavior with regard to information that Ebola
virus is suspected to be used by terrorists
The information is that Ebola is used by terrorists can have strong and direct impact on
the attitude and behavior of individuals. Public may not feel safe and secured in East Africa and
may make decisions like immigration that can impact their lives. Further, it can cause unrest
11

among population and stimulate their voting behavior (Yarber, Sayad and Strong, 2013). For
instance, public may believe that existing ruling party is incompetent to safeguard them. Further,
information is that Ebola is used by terrorists can cause strained relationship among socialite
members. Thereafter, it may create confusion among large population regarding precautionary
measures.
4.3 Justifying the consequences of contemporary thinking for health and social care provision
and services
The contemporary thinking has a direct impact on the development and progress within
health and social care sector. With the advancement in technology, most of the diseases can be
cured and prevented on time. Further, vaccines and medicines are developed for many diseases
that were earlier constituted as deadly (Murero and Rice, 2013). At present, individuals are more
aware about the innovations and changes in health and social care provisions and services due to
use of mass media channels. As per the contemporary thinking of individuals, it is important to
bridge the gap between quality and safety in health and care sector. In addition to this, there is
urgent requirement to develop new models for care. Further, children and elderly people needs
much care therefore; more focus should be given on them and cases of abuse among the target
groups must be handled on time. Further, improvement in health and care can be witnessed as
death rates of UK are reduced. The awareness about child abuse, drug or alcohol is increasing
that is further developing a positive attitude among them (Popescu, 2014). The individuals are
realizing the need of education on health and social care in order to stay fit and healthy.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it can be concluded that health and social care is a vital sector of
the economy. Main aim of this sector is to improve the health standard of populations and to
ensure their well being. It can be concluded that information related to outbreak of Ebola in
Africa and other countries can be disseminated through mass media. Further, informative
leaflets, portfolio of media coverage, websites, etc. are some techniques of spreading the news.
Thereafter, media plays a strong role in influencing the attitude and behavior of public. However,
information by media should be cross checked to determine its relevancy and authenticity.
12