These cases are so different to the everyday that they can throw you off your stride.
When you come across unfamiliar cases it can help to have a structure that you can use as the basis for your discussion.
A good one to remember for ethics is ABCDE
A - Autonomy
B - Beneficence
C - Confidentiality
D - Do no harm
E - Equity/Justice
For example, say you had a dad asking you to vaccinate his child and not tell his mum because mum is anti vaccine. You might use the ABCDE structure to discuss the following points
A - Autonomy - We need to consider the autonomy of mum, dad and child
“We have to consider the rights of both parents in decision-making for your child. Acting without the mother’s knowledge may compromise her rights as a parent.”
B - Beneficence - What is in the best interest of mum, dad and child
“Vaccinating your child will help protect him, but we also need to think about the wider impact this may have on him and family as it could damage your families relationship.”
C - Confidentiality - What can or should you keep confidential
“While I can keep your concerns confidential, I can’t act in a way that intentionally excludes or deceives the other parent.”
D - Do no harm - What harm might occur from action or inaction
“I want to avoid any harm. That is harm from lack of vaccination, or harm from an upset in your family dynamics”
E - Equity - What is the legal position
Do both parents have equal rights? Are they both legal guardians (mums have parental responsibility from birth, but dads don't automatically have guardian status)
"Are you and mum both legal guardians"
Author
N. Boeckx
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