Social Work Ethics in Healthcare

LYNN PUMA, LCSW LEVINE CHILDRENS HOSPITAL MARCH 15, 2013

Core Values
NASW Code of Ethics Service Social Justice Dignity and worth of the person Importance of Human relationships Integrity Competence

Conflicting Values
These occur in every social work domain Patients Right to self-determination Mandatory Reporting

prevent serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm to a client or other identifiable person NASW standard 1.07

Confidentiality The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Rules Laws, policies and regulation
Personal and professional values

Social Work in Health Care

Assist patients and families in understanding their

illness and treatment options.

Part of interdisciplinary teams that discuss plans of

care and develop treatment plans.

Biopsychosocial Approach vs. Medical Model

Social Work in Health Care

Multiple professions on an interdisciplinary team Physicians Nurses Dietitians Social Workers Each profession has its own culture which may

include values, beliefs, and attitudes. Organizationally hospitals and medical settings align with the medical model

May conflict with Social Work values

Learning Exercise #1
A family starts a facebook page for their ill child. Many of the nurses on the floor have liked the page. Through comments the nurses find out how angry the mother is at the staff. When SW follows up with mother she denies any feelings toward staff and asks you to like her page. Thoughts?