The Potential For Professional Misuse Of Power Social Work Essay

The Potential For Professional Misuse Of Power Social Work Essay The focus of attention of this essay is on The potential for professional misuse of power by health care professionals when working with vulnerable groups. The author of this paper will address a number of issues as they relate to the topic question, which includes, describing a vulnerable group nominated for discussion and why they are at possible risk, there for outlining examples of misuse of professional power and putting forward strategies to address situations that arise, offering approaches that prevent the misuse of power from happening in the future and summarising legislation and professional codes of conduct involved with client care of the vulnerable group. The group nominated to illustrate the potential for professional misuse of power is those who live with a mental illness. There are a number of reasons why this particular group has been chosen and they include, the idea and notion of marginalisation, and social stigmas associated with having a mental illness. This hea lth care issue is an issue that crosses all social and economic boundaries and divides society. In days gone by, the views held by many in our communities had been consistent with the notion and idea of out of sight out of mind. Thankfully community attitudes are changing so to health care practices towards the treatment of a mental illness. In spite of these changes there still exists the potential for mistreatment and the misuse of power by some professionals who not only exacerbate the problem of the patient but also bring the profession into disrepute. The following will now discuss as to the reasons why by giving examples of misuse of power that some health care professionals are entrusted with. History teaches us many lessons, the accounts of abuse of mental health clients and patients are many. In describing examples of abuse by care workers the concept of what are boundaries will be discussed. Discussed in the context of what constitutes what is acceptable and what is deemed inappropriate. That is, from the view point of noting the points where medical staff can assert power and to what extent this means in terms of patient rights. Boundaries can be looked at from a number of points of view. For example boundaries can be seen as those sets of rules that establish the grounds by which one engages. For instance boundaries can be established by clearly defined sets of ordered and structured statements that indicate the manner and way in which clients are dealt with. (http://www.nrgpn.org.au/ 2nd August 2010). They can come in a number of forms that appear in the shape of; Acts or laws, policies, work place practices and so on. Take the Mental Health Act, for this assignment the Author has used the example of Act content from the Western Australian Act 1996 where Part 7 discloses Protection of patients Rights to be given). (Http; /webcache,googleusercontent.com 27th July 2010). Professional boundaries can be described as those conditions that distinguish between sets of behaviour that may lessen the health outcomes of the patient. The idea and notion of what boundaries represent and mean can best be summed up by saying that they are those sets of conditions that bring about an acceptance of each parties roles and responsibilities in a particular relationship. In summary they set the standard where by clearly defined sets of conditions establishes a manner of conduct and behaviour that informs the worker what they ought to do at the same time informing them of what this means in terms of their relationship with the patient. In the context of examples of the misuse of power, one could quite easily conclude that the misuse of power occurs when a worker crosses those professional boundaries of trust and neglects their commitments and responsibilities which in turn create the potential for the inappropriate care and treatment, which results in poor outcomes for the client. With respect to the concern of preventing abuse by health care professionals, the issue of standards and transparent diagnosis and evaluation of a mental illness comes to mind. In turn the issue of creating and maintaining sets of standards are important factors in preventing abuse. Important because they (the standards) establishes mode and method of not only treatment but of means and measures of developing a more structured way of not only appropriately assessing those with an illness but also ensuring that the diagnosis falls within particular guidelines. In terms of transparent practices, clearly defined guidelines need to be put in place that shows an open and ordered means by which patients are then processed and dealt with. Standards are the key to managing the prevention of abuse of the mentally ill. Standards from the point of view of realising measured and ordered approaches to the practices of caring for the mentally ill as well as guaranteeing fair and equitable management of the patients concerns. In dealing with the issue and concern of developing approaches to manage the potential for eliminating abuse from happening in the future the proposal for a much broader campaign of drawing the attention of the communities understanding to what is going on makes for a point from which to start. Measures for eliminating abuse must take on a much broader and wider audience. The issue is both a social one as well as a political one. The effect of such a campaign must take place within all quarters of society. The failure to address the concern as a much broader social issue can have disastrous consequences not only on the client affected by abuse but also on the profession it self. There must be a greater emphasis placed on intake procedures and screening as well as safety checks put in place within the profession. A greater level of management practices that are consistent with standards that place emphasis on treatment outcomes and doctor/nurses skills training must take precedence. Medical staff must also be aware of all resources like the Australian Health and Ethics Committees resource kit outlining good medical practice in doctor/nurse patient communication. These set of guidelines focus on how doctors (communicate with patients and the need to discuss treatment plans including information on risks, and, restricted circumstances when immediate provision of information may not be desirable). (http://www.nhmrc.gov.au 21st August 2010) This will help to ensure that levels of safeguards are established and put in place that dictates the grounds upon which patients are treated as well as ensuring that those who provide the service are able to cope with the related concerns in away that creates well ordered work practices. As mentioned in the above prevention of abuse of mental health patients is a social concern. The stigma and stereotyping that has gone on in the past has only exacerbated and enhanced the typical stereotypes that exist in society for far too long. The kind of mind sets that exist does not in any way help the situation at all. Failures to recognise the concern in its social context will do little to comfort those who seek and wait for the kind of change that will bring about work place practices that are void of those mind sets described in the above. In order for the above to have any affect it must be accepted that people suffer from mental illness in all quarters of our society. As stated previously it does not discriminate and crosses all cultural and social boundaries both socially and economically. In light of this statement the following will address in further detail the mechanisms where by change can be affected and by what means it can be achieved. However it must first be acknowledged that social and professional change is not always an easy thing to achieve. It must also be acknowledged that our society is based on sets of principles and ideas that are fundamental to the way it functions and operates. In that context then it must be accepted that we all no matter what our disposition, are afforded rights of consideration and respect. The kind that are and should be common place within a democratic society that operates and functions on principles of equity and equality for the masses, the kind of principles that entitles each and everyone one of us fair treatment. Based on the position then it should be no surprise that is addressing concerns of misuse of power and the subsequent abuse of power by health care professionals should and must be governed and managed by sets of procedures and practices that are consistent with these principles. Often mistreatment in the work place can be linked too much broader social images and attitudes. Thats why work place practices must be supported by a much larger body of thought and action that spells out quite clearly that the misappropriation of power against those who have little control over their situation must be enforced. That is in the context of legislation and government and judicial management orders that establish clear and mandatory codes of practices. This in turn must be supported with mandatory and skills based training for professionals to better manage the risk of inappropriate behaviour and actions. In examining the points raised in the above a case study found in Ethics and law for the health professions 3rd edition, by the authors Kerridge, Lowe and Stewart (2009) illustrates well, a number of important and fundamental concerns when considering issues of misuse of power and behaviours that are inappropriate. For example the authors in setting out the case study of a woman who was suffering from case of low self esteem talked about the type of power relations that are tipped in favour of the psychiatrist. The authors in summary (describe the outcomes for the women in terms of misappropriate diagnosis and maltreatment with respect to medication and management of the illness. The Authors go on to state that Psychiatrists diagnose patients as having mental illness, institutionalise them against their wishes or free them from imprisonment, give them mind-altering substances and administer electro-convulsive therapy) (which means the application of electric current to specific areas to the head to produce a generalised seizure (Mental Health Act 1996 part 5). These power imbalances are the cause of many of the ethical issues in psychiatry. Kerridge, et, al (2009, p. 499). In short if a position had to be taken, as to the primary reason behind the misuse and abuse of power by health care professionals and this can be applied across the industry as a whole, then it would need to be one not to dissimilar to that stated by the authors in the above. That is, much of the concerns that the mentally ill face are based on power relations that are tipped in favour of the professional health care provider. The case study mentioned in the above is one that is all to typical of the kind of mind sets that pervade the profession. This is a prime example of those relations that exists and one which is representative in the way that it seeks to manage the cause and effect of the patients condition and in the process takes away not only their rights but also their dignity. Finally, and in summing up, this paper has attempted to provide a discussion, although brief in detail points for consideration when it comes to issues of the misuse of power towards the mentally ill by some health care professionals. This brief discussion has attempted to highlight not only the need for the management of concerns in a much broader context but also in terms of the internal institutional organisation of treatment of patients. This paper offers for consideration a number of considered points to ponder as they relate to legal and ethical concerns of a other wise stigmatised and marginalised group. Vulnerable they are but not without rights. As a result of considering this topic in more detail, if there is one point of consideration that the author of this paper would like to share as a result of reflection, then it would be this. The responsibilities of health care professionals are enormous. They are the kind of responsibilities that impact profoundly on how patients a re engaged and managed. Profoundly, in both the context of their much broader obligations and profoundly in the context of the social consequences of their actions as they relate to the health outcomes of the patient. And finally the above has reviewed the legal and ethical considerations that are fundamental to the practice of health professionals doing what they have been trained to do, engaging the patient in the kind of relationship that in turn helps to prevent the misuse of power by health care professionals.

Indirect vs. Direct Presentation Essay

â€Å"The Destructors,† by Graham Greene, both indirect and direct presentation is implemented to provide a multidimensional portrayal of the characters in the story. This device is effective because each type of presentation provides the reader with a different perspective into each character. The author presents the characters directly by telling the reader details about the characters and presents the characters indirectly by showing the reader. Direct presentation allows for more of a complete understanding of the characters while indirect presentation forces the reader to make inferences based on dialogue and occurrences throughout the story. Direct presentation is effective especially in the beginning of a short story because the reader gets a primary and absolute insight into each character’s emotions, which will in turn allow them to interpret actions and developments later on in the story. Mike’s young age, and childish naà ¯vetà © is immediately exposed when Greene directly presents him as â€Å"nine [and] surprised by everything† (111). Mike’s character is clearly defined with little left for the reader to interpret. The author can best express his purpose through this type of presentation. Greene uses direct presentation when he introduces major members of the gang such as Blackie, Trevor, and Mike. Greene reveals Blackie’s acceptance of his class standing as he describes Blackie’s reservations with Trevor’s plan. â€Å"He was just, he had no jealousy, he was anxious to retain T. in the gang if he could. It was the word ‘beautiful’ that worried him – that belonged to a class world that you could still see parodied at the Wormsley Common Empire by a man wearing a top hat and a monocle, with a haw-haw accent† (114). In this instance, direct presentation is quite effective because Greene reveals that Blackie is not a resentful character; this is a truth that would be very difficult for a reader to infer. Old Misery is also presented directly. Greene provides direct insight into Old Misery as he describes his background early in the story. â€Å"Old Misery-whose real name was Thomas-had once been a builder and decorator. He lived alone in the crippled house, doing for himself† (112). This saves the  author from having to digress from the plot in order to indirectly characterize Old Misery, which would in essence detract from the true purpose of the story. Indirect presentation is used throughout the story to reveal subtleties and more importantly, to accentuate the story’s many paradoxes. Greene’s usage of indirect presentation in exposing these truths adds to the profundity of the story. Greene cleverly shows Blackie’s insecurity when Blackie attempts to avoid Trevor’s plan of destroying Old Misery’s house as he feebly states, â€Å"there wouldn’t be time, I’ve seen housebreakers at work. None of us know how† (115). When Trevor taunts him and his leadership position seems compromised Blackie â€Å"uneasily [says], it’s proposed that tomorrow and Monday we destroy Old Misery’s house† (115). Greene uses the word â€Å"uneasily† to indirectly present Blackie’s insecurity and to distinguish him from his malevolent foil, Trevor. Blackie’s foil, Trevor, also known by the gang as â€Å"T.,† is a very bitter character. Greene uses direct presentation to illustrate the many paradoxes surrounding him. T.’s attitude towards Old Misery is quite paradoxical. On the one hand, he sets about destroying his house, treating him disrespectfully, and regarding him with suspicion. At the same time, however, T. expresses that he does not hate Old Misery when he says, â€Å"of course I don’t hate him. There’d be no fun if I hated him† (118). Although his destructive behavior is not personal, the consequences are tremendous for Old Misery, but T. is unable to consider such consequences. Another instance of indirect presentation is when T. takes Mr. Thomas’s seventy one-pound notes, but not for personal gain. Instead, he and Blackie take each pound note and â€Å"[light] the top corner, so that the flame burn[s] slowly towards their fingers† (118). Essentially, T. takes items that are inherently valuable, but he has no interest in making use of that value. T.’s attitude toward Old Misery’s house is paradoxical as well. T. said, â€Å"It’s a beautiful house,† as he â€Å"still [watched] the ground meeting no one’s eyes† (114). Green shows T.’s distaste for wealth and for the upper class  when he notes T’s lack of eye contact with the gang. He knows the house is beautiful, but his feelings about beauty, especially as they relate to social classes makes it easy for him to destroy it anyway. The Wormsley Common Gang is presented indirectly as a whole. Greene presents the gang indirectly rather than directly for the sole reason that the gang often thinks as a whole but is ultimately made up of many different members. This is shown when Mr. Thomas attempts to reach out to the boys and give them chocolates. Many members chime in their opinions on Mr. Thomas’ motives however, Blackie, their leader at the time, picks the reasoning that most suits him. â€Å"We’ll show him we don’t take bribes† (113). â€Å"They sacrificed the whole morning to the game of bouncing that only Mike was young enough to enjoy† (113). Even though none of the gang enjoyed the activity except for Mike they participated anyways. This instance indirectly reveals the insecurity of each individual gang member. Though the gang stands by the decision, none of its members even get enjoyment out of it. The gang’s judgmental tendencies and fickly characteristics are shown through the power struggle for leadership between Blackie and T. â€Å"For the first time since T. had strolled into the carpark on the first day of the holidays his position was in dancer. It only need a single use of his real name and the gang would be at his heels† (114). The fact that Trevor feels the need to go by T. when he is with the gang reveals his own insecurity as well as the judgmental qualities of the gang. Just a few days prior Blackie had been the leader of the gang however now they â€Å"[paid] no more attention to him than to a stranger† (115). â€Å"Blackie was dimly aware of the fickleness of favor† (115). Especially in short stories, presentation is essential. Greene does an excellent job as he masterfully uses both direct and indirect presentation to convey his message in â€Å"The Destructors.† He immediately develops the main characters through direct presentation. This way, the readers have a predisposition about each character therefore making the eventual character shift more dramatic. He uses indirect presentation to describe the gang and to reveal the subtleties and paradoxes within the story. â€Å"The Destructors†Ã‚  is an effective literary work because of its multidimensional qualities enabled by Green’s brilliant control of presentation. Work Cited: â€Å"The Destructors† by Graham Greene

9 11 Essay Topics - Is it a Scam?

9 11 Essay Topics - Is it a Scam? You first have to figure out the reason behind your essay, before you may write persuasive content about it. What you aspire to teach your reader will choose the sort of your essay. In addition, you can capture reader attention with the assistance of funny essay topics. You may find that several of the topics can be adapted to suit almost any sort of writing assignment. Try out another topic and do the exact 5-minute writing test till you locate a topic you know it is easy to write on. This issue of any essay is among the most significant characteristics that define its success. You could be given the topic straight away by your professor, or you might be free to opt for the topic yourself. It's possible to opt for an intriguing topic from any area of science. Deciding on your topic isn't that easy. If you get to select your own topic, that's excellent. 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Locke And John Lockes Theory On Personal Identity

Personal Identity or ‘Self’ has been a very important topic for philosophers for many years. Personal identity is how you describe or think of being which is derived from memories that have taken place over the years. John Locke was a philosopher who believed that your ‘Self’ or personal identity come from memory which is also referred to as consciousness in Locke’s writings. Locke believed that you are who you are, because your thoughts are yours alone no matter the vessel. However, in this paper we will go over a few instances where Locke’s theory on Personal Identity poses a few concerns and why those concerns prove his theory to be invalid. Personal Identity is defined in the Merriam Webster’s Dictionary as â€Å"The persistent and†¦show more content†¦We are not who we were X years ago. Locke explains change of identity through an example of an oak tree, he says ‘†¦an oak growing from a plant to a great tree, and then lopped, is still the same oak†. (Locke, John) but is it the same oak? Sure, the physical changes took place, but is this the only change that the oak went through? As mentioned above regarding change, we are constantly evolving and changing who we are on a daily basis despite what our memories hold. Locke’s theory suggests that even if we cannot remember one thing, but can remember another, then the forgotten memory no longer matter because we were able to remember the most recent memory which proves our ‘self’. This theory simply cannot work due to several instances that deal with your memory alone. Your memory is made up of various occasions that hav e taken place in your life. If you remember walking for the first time as a baby, and what took place the night of your twenty-first birthday, you wouldn’t necessarily connect those two memories together, those very different memories do not stand alone as to what shaped you as the person you are today despite your consciousness. Locke’s theory being based around consciousness poses a few more issues to take into consideration when deciding on the validity of this theory. A common story that is linked to Locke’s theory goesShow MoreRelatedEssay about Why Is Personal Identity Important in Lockes View?1596 Words   |  7 PagesIn his essay Of Identity and Diversity, Locke talks about the importance of personal identity. The title of his essay gives an idea of his view. Identity, according to Locke, is the memory and self consciousness, and diversity is the faculty to transfer memories across bodies and souls. In order to make his point more understandable, Locke defines man and person. Locke identifies a man as an animal of a certain form and a person as a thinking intelligent being. 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