Hospital social workers experiences with ethics and ethical decision-making

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of hospital social workers regarding the areas related to ethics and ethical decision-making. The focus of this study was to also explore social workers' perceptions of ethical issues encountered in practice and to gather participants' insights on the best mechanisms to assist in addressing ethical issues within the hospital environment.;The findings indicate that hospital social workers regularly encounter ethical related issues and routinely participate in ethical decision-making within their areas of practice. Social workers also provided insights into the necessary supports and skills required to effectively participate and address ethical issues.;Recommendations to enhance social workers participation with ethical issues include access to comprehensive ethics education and associated skill training. As well, social workers require forums to discuss difficulties encountered in clinical practice as well as learn from their peers. Increasing overall support for social workers will assist in preventing and reducing the experiences of stress, anxiety, and moral distress that can emerge when involved in the resolution of an ethical issue.;Based on the purpose of the research and my own learning goals, a qualitative research approach was incorporated in this study. In-person interviews were conducted with ten hospital based social workers representing the various patient care areas in which they clinically practice.