Healthcare Ethics: Case Study on Dignity and Respect for Patients

This case study delves into the critical aspects of dignity and respect within the healthcare sector, focusing on the case of Martha Jayasekera, an individual with cerebral palsy. The analysis explores ethical considerations, including freedom, rights, responsibilities, and the appropriate use of power in care settings. It highlights effective strategies that healthcare staff can employ to support and respect patient dignity, emphasizing the importance of honesty, fairness, modesty, privacy, compassion, and clear verbal communication. The study further underscores how staff can maintain effective communication through interpersonal skills, ensuring compassion, dignity, and respect in providing the best possible care. The importance of creating a positive and ethical environment is highlighted, noting that this enhances patient well-being, staff morale, and the overall reputation of the healthcare organization. The analysis also touches on the role of ethical guidelines in fostering trust, promoting teamwork, and ensuring that patients are actively involved in their care decisions.

Fostering Dignity
and Respect

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY ..................................................................................................................................1
Question 1 .......................................................................................................................................1
The ethical concepts such as those concerned with freedom, rights, responsibilities and the use
of power in care as per the situation. ..........................................................................................1
Kind of strategies which can be used by the staff employ to support and respect the dignity of
Martha Jayasekera.......................................................................................................................3
Ways in which the staff can maintain effective communication by making use of interpersonal
skills consider compassion, dignity, and respect to present the best care possible to Martha
Jayasekera...................................................................................................................................5
Question 2........................................................................................................................................6
Reflection.........................................................................................................................................6
This case study has contributed to your own learning, self-development and practice in
understanding dignity and respect...............................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
The dignity and respect is the most important for any individual. There is the case study
which is taken into consideration which is on Martha Jayasekera. This is the person suffering
from a disease which is called cerebral palsy. This is the disease where the person is not able to
make movements and balance its posture. This is the case study which is framed on certain
aspects which are in context of healthcare sector and also it is based on understanding of the
moral values and ethics with the rights and responsibilities of the staff member in healthcare
department. This report will examine the various kind of strategies which are been utilised and
assist in guiding the staff member and the management in order to support Martha Jaysekera.
Further it will include importance of effective communication and the interpersonal skills which
involves respect, dignity. This is the case analysis of a person who is suffering from a disease
and in order to be be alright the person has hired a caretaker. The person needs a caretaker in
order to support with such disease. There were various problems which were identified by the
person which need to be management by the healthcare managers in order to provide the better
services. (Clark, C.M. and Ritter, K., 2018). The various strategies which can help to improve
task and performance within the organisation. The main reason and the issue where the staff
were not feeling safe so they do not be willing to work in late hours.
MAIN BODY
Question 1
The ethical concepts such as those concerned with freedom, rights, responsibilities and the
use of power in care as per the situation.
In the healthcare sector there are various aspects which required development and the
ethical code of conduct within the business organisation. There are various ethics and laws which
are been regulated in order to protect the individual in the various deception making . The ethics
are the various human rights in which can individual practices the daily work within the
company. This also involves the human rights and duties which helps in analysing the right code
of conduct. This provides a philosophical study through which the moral values and good
perceptions are been conducted. This will also cover the various principles and the attribution of
different kinds of set of values. It is also been identified that the various cultures, religions and
1

the other professional mark spaces through which ethical concepts are been laid out. As with the
explanation given above the freedom, rights, responsibilities and use of power in care will be
discussed below:
 It is been identified and observed that ethics are been utilised and implemented in daily
life if an individual and it consists of several aspects and compilations. There are various
ethics which includes moral ethics, perspective ethics, descriptive ethics and applied
ethics. These all type of ethics helps in managing the security and code of conduct within
the employees. This also assist at the time of harassment in any of the workplace. It is
very important for the managers to threat their employees with dignity and respect.
 It is been observed that some of the areas which need to be determined in following the
basic ethics that need to be developed within an individual. It is been observed that there
are some of the unethical practices which is been laid down by the individual and this can
impact in the image of the business organisation. (Schwab, K., 2019,).
 It is been identified that when an business enterprise takes a necessary decision which
enhances its productivity in setting up ethical course which helps the employees in
following the ethical code of conduct in order to guide them in a systematic manner.. the
employees to value the ethical code of conduct in workplace and they value their work
helps organisation in creating a good image and this helps in attracting stakeholders. It
also increases the productivity of the company.
 It is been identified that the places where the ethics is been applied helps the employees
can develop themselves and manage growth within the workplace. This also allows the
individual to follow collective and team work which enhances in the productivity of the
employees. This also align all the behaviour of the employees which are being directly
implemented with the partnership, openness and the trust between the workplace and the
workforce.(Conroy, and et.al.,2017).
 It is been analysed that adoption of the ethics within the business enterprise helps them to
create a positive culture within the organisation and a good repudiated image of the
business enterprise in front of the customers and stakeholders. This manages specially in
all such areas where the non-profit organisations and along with that the high-profile
multinational companies focus on providing donations and also in the social work with
the government granting make the company to enhance their image. But in all such areas
2

where the donations are being made the donors will have to be aware regarding the
utilisation of money by such firms.
 The effective management and the use of the business ethics can help the business
organisation in various ways and increase performance of the employed. This also creates
a positive environment where the employee have a free mind of working. When the
organisation focus on the ethical code of conduct which motives the,m to gain dignity
and respect within the society. The good corporate governance operated by the
companies will eventually initiated to enhance their social responsibilities to be
improved.(Hammelman, C., 2018)
Kind of strategies which can be used by the staff employ to support and respect the dignity
of Martha Jayasekera.
It is been analysed that it is very important to have dignity and respect in healthcare
sector.. in consideration the case study it is been analysed that it is very important to maintain
dignity and respect for the patients and the staff member can apply to the various approaches in
order to deal with patients in an effective manner. It is very important for the staff members to
have honesty and fairness in their work which can help in the effective communication and
practices within the business organisation. As in all the healthcare programmes there is being
seen that patients usually feel Frightened, anxious, exposed, judged etc. In the above case study
it is been analysed that there were few issues which were identified by Martha Jayasekera. And
this need to be undertaken by the healthcare sector in order to prevent any unethical practices
which can impact the brand image of the organisation. Some of the major strategies which is
being applied by the staff to manage the dignity of Martha are being discussed below: (Feo, R.,
and et.al.,2017). Giving adequate services to the clients: It is very important for the healthcare sector that
they hire the skilled and proficient staff members to have a knowledge in the area. This
will help the staff members in giving the best services to its clients. The caretaker need to
analyse the issue of the patient and take care of it in an effective manner. Modesty and decency: as at the time of the treatment the patients might feel
uncomfortable where the caretaker need to take care of the various aspect such as make
the patient calm while using soft skills. The caretaker need to ask for the permission
before entering to the house and leaving which make the client make feel safe and secure.
3

the staff member also need to ask for the permission before examining the patient in any
situation. This includes the decency which should be maintained by the caretaker with its
patients. (.Paal, P., Brandstötter, C., Lorenzl, S., Larkin, P. and Elsner, F., 2019) Privacy: It is very important for the staff member to respect the privacy of the patients.
This means that the important information which is shared by the client should not be
disclosed to the other person. This can affect the feelings of the person and hurt them. Compassion understanding and empathy: It is very important to acknowledge all the
issues , emotions and responses which are been given by the clients with empathy. It is
very essential for the staff member to acknowledge the feelings and experience of the
patient. This will also help the caretakers to manage and respect the patient when a proper
comforting manner. Verbal communication: It is observed that a treatment cannot be conducted without
communication. It is very important that the staff member has a verbal communication
wit its patients in order to recognise the issue and have a proper solution to it. The
caretaker need to have a proper communication with the patient and their family
members. The caretaker should be given a training regarding the stress management
techniques that will help them out to handle all such pressure.(Foster, T.A., 2019) Courtesy: In order to manage a proper interaction with the patients there is being required
to manage a direct contact and discussion regarding issues with the patient. Respect personal space: It is very important for the staff member to respect to the
personal space of the individual. The staff member can ask for the various aspect before
treating the patient. The patient should be given time for rest and allow them to mediate. Indulging the patients in the decision making: As the moral of the patient is down due
to the treatment. It is the responsibility of caretaker to involve patient in decision making
in the medication and ask for the preferences of the patients.
 Increasing social activities: It is seemed to be very important to engage all the patients in
the social activities. Caretaker should try to manage and encourage by opting their
hobbies and different kinds of activities to be managed by them this will help them out to
create a satisfaction and motivation.
4

Thus, there is seem that culture preferences also help out to manage the modesty, respect,
Pride, autonomy and many more it involves communication, attitude, patience, confidence,
adaptability, motivation and many more.(Edmonson,, Bolick,. and Lee, J., 2017).
Ways in which the staff can maintain effective communication by making use of interpersonal
skills consider compassion, dignity, and respect to present the best care possible to
Martha Jayasekera.
Communication plays a very crucial role in every organization for developing interaction
and for smooth transfer of information across the organization. The effective communication in
the organization helps in better execution of tasks. The leaders or managers in the organization
are required to use effective channels and techniques of communication for explanation of tasks
to employees and for solving their issues so as to motivate them to increase productivity. For the
given situation, some concepts that assist in managing the responsibilities , rights and freedom
are explained hereunder :
 Companies should provide a feedback desk to its employees for redressal of their issues.
It will create a sense of positivity among the employees to work towards the interests of
organization when they are given importance about their own interests.
 The employees should be listened and given chance to present their ideas and should be
involved in decision making process so as to make them feel positive at the workplace.
There should be effective and collaborative teamwork for better execution of business
projects. (Walker, M., 2018)
 For effective communication, the staff members should show respect and dignity to team
members and other colleague and leaders. For example, doctors, caretakers and other
staff are required to communicate carrying the values and ethical practices. The
entertainment activities should also be included for development of interaction. Activities
such as group meetings, outdoor games and other fun activities etc.
 There are various aspects that are related to effective communication that management
must consider. It should strive to develop social and connectivity network in the
organization to keep the employees interacted with each other for taking help in
completing the tasks more efficiently.
 The organization having effective communication can conduct smooth functioning of the
business by employing two-way feedback. A detailed feedback assists the management to
5

develop understanding about the matters and issues of organization. It should manage its
staff by obtaining proper feedback to improve their performance and thereby the
productivity of business.
 The smooth communication network in the organization facilitate in face-to face
interactions of employee with the managers that helps in better understanding of the tasks
and removal of any doubts. It leads to positive attitude of employees toward the work due
to which their productivity increases. (Aguiar-Quintana, T., Araujo-Cabrera, Y. and Park,
S., 2020)
 By creating employee well-being, employee engagement is supported that helps in
effective communication as it creates healthy and positive working environment that
helps in maintaining the work of staff members.
 The staff members should be given a chance to present their ideas. While
communicating, not only verbal communication is required, the staff can also use
gestures by maintaining eye contact , intending about a particular topic by indicating the
person, and listening the communication delivered with concentration. It all helps in more
focussed communication.
 Company should use various mediums to communicate to its staff, and colleagues to
deliver the information on time. It can use the digital channels like social media
platforms, its own website or email to convey information to them.
 The managers in this company are required to ensure adherence to ethical practices and
values in the behaviour of employees to facilitate effective communication by creating
employee well-being. They should follow code of conduct and appropriate body language
to be successful in their specialised field of management.
 Lack of communication or poor communication is a major issue that lead to misconduct
of activities in the organization, so the management of this company is required to
implement effective ways to communicate with its staff in a better manner. It should
develop a smooth organizational structure that will facilitate in effective communication
between all levels of management and staff as well. (Verdugo, M.A., Jenaro, C., Calvo, I.
and Navas, P., 2017)
6

Question 2
Reflection
This case study has contributed to your own learning, self-development and practice in
understanding dignity and respect
It is imperative for the organizations to ensure respect and dignity for improving the
performance of its business. In this case, the patients are facing the disease and expect conduct of
good behaviour. So, the staff in this company should should behave politely with customers
carrying the best values so as to make them feel relaxed. It leaves a great impact on the treatment
of patients as well that facilitate better conduct of operations. This case study is about cell
development management that gives the concept of dignity and respect. This case study provides
a learning process for approaches to ethical behaviour. It assists the individuals or students to
learn about ethics, moral values and good conduct to be followed in the classrooms as well. It
facilitates in instilling the habit to follow proper code of conduct and develop positive attitudes.
After discussing this case study, we also feel motivated for career advancement by learning the
ethical practices and good values to be followed. The key part or crux of this case study is to
develop the understanding of rights, freedom and responsibilities among the students. Moreover,
by discussing this case study, we are understanding the importance of interpersonal skills and
effective communication to learn about ethics, good values and compassion. By reading the case
study analytically, I am able to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills to form
solutions for issues faced in practical life regarding misconduct of behaviour. By learning about
ethics and values, it is recommended to the company to treat all patients with equal care and
respect and devote equal time for all. This case study has helped me in developing personal
strengths regarding ethics and morale and to present my ideas regarding the same through
effective communication. I have learnt team working skills by understanding the collaborative
contribution of healthcare team in managing the staff as well as patients. The combined efforts of
all team members and their combined values will bring positivity in the environment whereby
staff will feel motivated to contribute more to the organization. Through organizational
communication in healthcare sector, I have also learnt to develop effective communication skills
to interact with others following better code of conduct. It has given me the understanding to
7

treat people with high dignity, respect and moral values. It will also bring a sense of positivity in
my behaviour that will help me in personal development and in career advancement as well.
8

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Aguiar-Quintana, T., Araujo-Cabrera, Y. and Park, S., 2020. The sequential relationships of
hotel employees' perceived justice, commitment, and organizational citizenship
behaviour in a high unemployment context. Tourism Management Perspectives, 35,
p.10067
Clark, C.M. and Ritter, K., 2018. Policy to foster civility and support a healthy academic work
environment. Journal of Nursing Education, 57(6), pp.325-331.
Conroy, and et.al.,2017. Role of effective nurse-patient relationships in enhancing patient safety.
Nursing standard, 31(49).
Edmonson, C., Bolick, B. and Lee, J., 2017. A moral imperative for nurse leaders: Addressing
incivility and bullying in health care. Nurse Leader, 15(1), pp.40-44.
Feo, R., and et.al.,2017. Developing effective and caring nurse-patient relationships. Nursing
Standard (2014+), 31(28), p.54.
Foster, T.A., 2019. Rethinking Rufus: Sexual violations of enslaved men (Vol. 2). University of
Georgia Press.
Hammelman, C., 2018. Urban migrant women’s everyday food insecurity coping strategies
foster alternative urban imaginaries of a more democratic food system. Urban
Geography, 39(5), pp.706-725.
Paal, P., Brandstötter, C., Lorenzl, S., Larkin, P. and Elsner, F., 2019. Postgraduate palliative
care education for all healthcare providers in Europe: results from an EAPC survey.
Palliative & supportive care, 17(5), pp.495-506.
Pereira, R.B., 2017. Towards inclusive occupational therapy: Introducing the CORE approach
for inclusive and occupation‐focused practice. Australian Occupational Therapy
Journal, 64(6), pp.429-435.
Schwab, K., 2019, December. Davos Manifesto 2020: The universal purpose of a company in the
fourth industrial revolution. In World economic forum (Vol. 2).
Verdugo, M.A., Jenaro, C., Calvo, I. and Navas, P., 2017. Disability policy implementation from
a cross-cultural perspective. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 55(4), pp.234-
246.
Walker, M., 2018. Political agency and capabilities formation through participatory action
research. Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, 19(1), pp.53-69.
9