Module I
Professional Ethics
CONTENTS
No
CONTENT
Page
Module Description
Profession and Professionalism
1.1
Introduction
1.2
Professionalism and its essential aspect
1.3
Types of health professionals
Unit Summary
Unit Review questions
Health Care Systems
2.1
Introduction
2.2
Key principles of primary healthcare
2.3
Ethiopian health system organization/tier system
10
Unit Summary
11
Unit Review questions
12
Community health care ethics
13
3.1
Introduction
13
3.1
Ethical principles in community Healthcare
14
3.2
Legal and ethical Requirements in Healthcare
17
Unit Summary
18
Unit Review Questions
18
Health care communications
19
4.1
Introduction
19
4.2
Key principles for effective healthcare communication
20
4.3
Establishing collaborative working relationship
21
4.4
Expressing compassion concern of the clients
23
4.5
Gathering proper information
24
4.6
Therapeutic communication
25
Unit Summary
26
Unit Review Questions
27
Humanistic Care to Clients
28
5.1
Introduction
28
5.2
Provision of Humanistic care
28
Unit Summary
31
Unit Review Questions
31
Ethical and Professional Decision Making
32
6.1
Introduction
32
6.2
Ethical Decision Making
33
6.3
Some Steps to Ethical Thinking and Ethical Behaving
34
6.4
Workplace policies and procedures
36
6.5
Industry compliance and regulations
37
Unit Summary
37
Unit Review Questions
38
References
42
UNIT 1
Profession and Professionalism
1.1. Introduction
The word profession can be defined as a vocation or occupation usually
requiring advanced education, knowledge and skill. Thus, the term
profession refers to the knowledge, attitude, and skill which can be
obtained through formal education and training. A person who attained a
certain specialized skill is known as a professional. It should also be
acceptable to society. On the other hand, professionalism is defined as
"the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a
person who is trained to do a job well. The health profession is one of the
professions that deal with human beings to keep individuals, families and
communities in the nation healthy and productive.
The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete
physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease
or infirmity. Health professions involve the application of evidence-based
medicine and care to maintain human health. The nature of health
professions involves the practice of promoting, maintaining, or restoring
health through various disciplines. The meaning of health professions goes
beyond just treating diseases; it involves a holistic approach that
considers the physical, mental, and social aspects of health. Collaboration
among different health professionals is often crucial for comprehensive
patient care. Health professionals encompass a wide range of careers,
including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, and more. These
professionals work to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses and promote
overall well-being.
1.2. Professionalism and its essential aspect
Professionalism refers to the conduct, behavior, and qualities that
characterize a professional individual in a particular field or occupation. It
involves adhering to ethical standards, demonstrating competence,
maintaining a positive attitude, and fostering effective communication.
Professionalism does not mean wearing a suit or carrying a briefcase;
rather, it means conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity,
accountability, and excellence. It means communicating effectively and
appropriately and always finding a way to be productive.
In a professional context, being punctual, reliable, and respectful towards
others are also essential aspects of professionalism. It contributes to a
positive work environment and helps build trust and credibility.
The essential aspects of professionalism encompass a range of qualities
and behaviors that contribute to a person's effectiveness and credibility in
a professional setting.
Characteristics of professionalism
Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and being honest and transparent in
all interactions. Reliability: Consistently delivering high-quality work on
time and meeting commitments. They do what they say they will do and
don't overpromise.
Respect: Professionals always treat others with respect, empathy and
regardless of their position or background.
Competence: Possessing the necessary skills and knowledge to perform
tasks competently and efficiently.
Adaptability: Being open to change, learning from experiences, and
adjusting to new situations. Strong communicator: A professional must
have strong communication skills. This means that they not only can
effectively and efficiently convey messages to others but also that they
can actively listen to and understand what others are telling them.
Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with others, valuing diversity, and
contributing to a positive work environment.
Professional Appearance: Presenting oneself in a manner that aligns with
the expectations of the professional environment. Professionals should
always strive for a professional appearance, including appropriate attire
and proper hygiene and grooming.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions.
A professional accepts credit for having completed a task or achieved a
goal; they also are accountable for their actions when they fail. They take
responsibility for any mistakes that they make and take whatever steps
necessary to resolve any consequences from mistakes
Effective time management: The health professionals know how to
manage their time well is viewed by their peers as a professional.
Continuous Improvement: Seeking opportunities for growth, learning, and
self-development. These aspects collectively contribute to building a
strong professional reputation and fostering a positive work culture.
Organized
A professional keeps their workspace neat and organized so that they can
easily find items when they need them. All files and paperwork should be
in place and, if they have to deliver a presentation, all materials should be
ready well in advance so there are no unexpected delays.
1.3. Types of health professionals
Health professionals often identified with specific roles, such as doctors,
nurses, therapists, or technicians, and their professional identity is shaped
by their education, training, and experiences. It's a crucial aspect as it
influences teamwork, communication, and patient outcomes.
A health professional, healthcare professional or healthcare worker is a
provider of health care treatment and advice based on formal training and
experience. The field includes those who work as a nurse, physician (such
as family physician, internist, obstetrician, psychiatrist, radiologist,
surgeon etc.), physician assistant, registered dietitian, optometrist,
pharmacist, pharmacy technician, medical assistant, physical therapist,
occupational therapist, dentist, midwife, psychologist, audiologist, or
healthcare scientist, or who perform services in allied health professions.
Experts in public health and community health are also health
professionals.
Unit Summary
Professionalism refers to the conduct, behavior, and qualities that
characterize a professional individual in a particular field or occupation.
The meaning of health professions goes beyond just treating diseases; it
involves a holistic approach that considers the physical, mental, and social
aspects of health.
A health professional, healthcare professional or healthcare worker
sometimes abbreviated (HCW) is a provider of health care treatment and
advice based on formal training and experience etc.
Health professionals often identified doctors, nurses, therapists, or
technicians, and their professional identity is shaped by their education,
training, and experiences.
Community health workers are health care providers who live in the
community they serve and receive lower levels of formal education and
training than professional health care workers such as nurses and doctors.