Ethical Issues in Hospital-based Social Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case from Uganda, with a Commentary

Adia, Denis; Banks, Sarah

Abstract

This paper comprises a case study illustrating ethical and practical challenges for a Ugandan hospital-based social worker early in the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a commentary. The hospital was under-resourced, with staff and patients experiencing lack of information and panic. The social worker, Denis Adia, recounts his responses to new and ethically challenging situations, including persuading Muslim patients to stop fasting for the good of their health; deciding to keep a baby in hospital with parents although this was against the rules; and supporting a stigmatised former patient in the face of intimidation by colleagues. He reflects on the importance of recognising each person’s unique needs and circumstances, seeing this as a vital role for social workers. The case is followed by a commentary from a UK academic (Sarah Banks), who notes the cognitive and emotional effort (‘ethics work’) undertaken by the social worker to: see the ethical aspects of particular situations; take account of patients’ specific needs; ensure they are treated with respect; promote their well-being; and perform as a good social worker. Banks draws attention to the key role of the virtue of courage in pandemic conditions, which involves working with new risks and facing fears with confidence.

Citation

Adia, D., & Banks, S. (2023). Ethical Issues in Hospital-based Social Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case from Uganda, with a Commentary. Ethics and Social Welfare, 17(1), 90-97. https://doi.org/10.1080/17496535.2022.2117014

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 9, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Sep 15, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Sep 26, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 20, 2023
• Journal: Ethics and Social Welfare
• Print ISSN: 1749-6535
• Electronic ISSN: 1749-6543
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 90-97
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17496535.2022.2117014
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1193886