It is common for clinicians to face ethical dilemmas in practice. While there are some major ethical obstacles you may encounter from time-to-time, it is more likely you will encounter more minor ethical issues more frequently. The challenge with “minor” ethical issues is they can quickly become a big problem if not handled appropriately. Select ethical dilemma and then describe how you would use an ethical decision-making model, such as the ones discussed in your readings or another professionally adopted ethical decision-making model, in the situation you choose.
Selected ethical dilemma:
• After a full day at your office, a friend asks you to meet her for happy hour. Once you arrive, you notice one of your clients is sitting at the table behind you with a group of their friends. Do you say hello?
Ethical Dilemma: Client Encounter at Happy Hour
Introduction
In the field of healthcare, maintaining boundaries and confidentiality is crucial in preserving the trust and integrity of the client-provider relationship. When faced with a situation where a client is unexpectedly encountered outside of the professional setting, such as at a social event like happy hour, it raises an ethical dilemma. This essay will explore how an ethical decision-making model can be applied to address this scenario effectively.
Ethical Decision-Making Model: The Dual-Process Model
The Dual-Process Model, often used in ethical decision-making, involves a combination of intuitive and deliberate thinking processes. Let's apply this model to the selected ethical dilemma:
Intuitive Process
The intuitive process involves immediate gut reactions and emotional responses to ethical dilemmas. In this scenario, upon seeing the client at the social event, the initial instinct may be to greet them casually to acknowledge their presence. However, this immediate action may not consider the potential implications on confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Deliberate Process
The deliberate process requires a more thoughtful and analytical approach to ethical decision-making. In this phase, the healthcare provider should consider the potential consequences of interacting with the client in a non-professional setting. Key ethical principles to consider include confidentiality, professionalism, and maintaining boundaries.
Application of the Dual-Process Model
1. Pause and Reflect: Before taking any action, pause to reflect on the situation and consider the ethical implications of engaging with the client outside of the professional setting.
2. Assess Potential Risks: Evaluate the potential risks of breaching confidentiality or blurring professional boundaries by acknowledging the client in a social context.
3. Consider Alternatives: Explore alternative ways to handle the situation, such as excusing yourself from the social event or discreetly acknowledging the client's presence without engaging in detailed conversations.
4. Consult Ethical Guidelines: Refer to professional codes of ethics and guidelines that address boundaries and confidentiality in client interactions outside of the office setting.
5. Make a Decision: Based on careful consideration and ethical analysis, decide on the most appropriate course of action that upholds the principles of confidentiality, professionalism, and maintaining boundaries.
Conclusion
In conclusion,
when faced with an ethical dilemma involving an unexpected encounter with a client at a social event like happy hour, utilizing an ethical decision-making model like the Dual-Process Model can assist healthcare providers in navigating the situation ethically. By balancing intuitive reactions with deliberate analysis, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions that prioritize client confidentiality, uphold professional boundaries, and maintain trust in the therapeutic relationship.