Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 9

Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering the following questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.

SAQ 9.1  (tests Learning Outcome 9.1)

Fit these words into the following short paragraph: justice; rights; obligation; confidentiality.

The Health Extension Worker was aware of her ______ to provide a high quality service to the people in her community. She knew that all the people she was looking after had ______ and could expect her to keep their health problems secret and maintain ______ at all times. They knew that she would treat them all equally and be fair. They respected her sense of ______ and were confident that she would be able to sort out any value conflicts that might occur.

Answer

The Health Extension Worker was aware of her obligation to provide a high quality service to the people in her community. She knew that all the people she was looking after had rights and could expect her to keep their health problems secret and maintain confidentiality at all times. They knew that she would treat them all equally and be fair. They respected her sense of justice and were confident that she would be able to sort out any value conflicts that might occur.

Read Case Study 9.1 below and answer the questions that follow.

Case Study 9.1  Chaltu faces an ethical issue

Chaltu, a Health Extension Practitioner, is approached by Almaz, a young woman in her community, to discuss an issue regarding the termination of her pregnancy. Almaz says, ‘My abdomen is increasing in volume and is reaching a visible size. I am becoming anxious and frustrated because if my parents know my problem they will automatically send me away from home. If this happens I will have to commit suicide because I don’t have any place to go. I come here to ask for your assistance in terminating the pregnancy, but please don’t tell anyone about this issue – including my parents.’

SAQ 9.2  (tests Learning Outcomes 9.1 and 9.2)

Look at Case Study 9.1. What rights does Almaz have in this situation? Does she have legal or ethical rights?

Answer

Almaz has the right to use the health service and be treated with respect and sympathy. This does not mean that every request has to be carried out, but that the health service, including the Health Extension Practitioner has to consider her request. She also has a right to be treated confidentially. The Health Extension Practitioner must not inform her parents or others in authority about her situation. These are largely ethical rights but could be challenged in law.

SAQ 9.3  (tests Learning Outcome 9.3 and 9.5)

What ethical and legal obligations does Chaltu, the Health Extension Practitioner, have in this case?

Answer

Chaltu has the ethical and legal obligation to treat Almaz with sympathy and respect her need for privacy and confidentiality. She also has an obligation to give the correct information to her client about many issues that may be relevant. For example, Almaz would be considered for a legal abortion at the health centre or in a hospital if the father of her expected child is a close relative (incest), if the pregnancy was the outcome of a rape, or if Almaz herself was considered to have a serious mental or physical illness. Chaltu also has to tell Almaz about the problems that might develop if she went to an illegal abortionist.

SAQ 9.4 (tests Learning Outcome 9.4 and 9.5)

What professional obligations does Chaltu have regarding confidentiality and truthfulness in this situation?

Answer

Confidentiality and truthfulness are the key obligations for the Health Extension Practitioner to remember in this situation and in all health work. These are professional obligations and they set Health Extension Practitioners apart from other members of the community.

Summary of Study Session 9