Dilemmas
At some point, an individual may want to do something different from what has been advised by the health or social care staff. This may be refusing to take medication even though their health would worsen if the medication is not taken. When dilemmas occur, health and social care workers must be able to work with those in their care to come to a reasonable decision or compromise.
These are a few questions you may ask yourself when confronted with a dilemma:
- Does the individual in my care have sufficient information? If not, what additional information can I provide or find someone else to provide?
- Does the individual have the capacity to make a decision? If not, should a capacity assessment be completed and who can complete this?
- Do I need additional support from other staff?
- Should I share information with my colleagues, and do I have permission to do so?
- Have I kept accurate and timely records of the steps I have taken to make a decision and recorded the reasons that this decision was made?
- Do I feel established enough to comfortably make this decision or take this action?
- How has a more experienced colleague handled this situation in the past?
