This guide will help you answer Unit 3.2 Identify actions to take when conflicts and dilemmas about safeguarding arise of the RQF Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care.
Safeguarding in adult care is vital to protect individuals from abuse and neglect. As a lead practitioner, you need to navigate complex situations where conflicts and dilemmas arise. This guide will help you identify the necessary actions.
What Is a Safeguarding Conflict?
A safeguarding conflict occurs when differing opinions or interests clash, making it difficult to decide the best course of action.
What Is a Safeguarding Dilemma?
A safeguarding dilemma happens when there isn’t a clear, straightforward resolution to a problem. You might face choices between two equally challenging options, with potential risks or benefits for each.
Key Actions to Take
1. Recognise the Conflict or Dilemma
The first step is to clearly identify and acknowledge the conflict or dilemma. This involves:
- Listening to all parties involved.
- Understanding their perspectives.
- Noting any discrepancies or areas of disagreement.
2. Gather Information
Collect all relevant information. This helps to understand the context and severity of the issue. Actions include:
- Reviewing care plans and records.
- Speaking directly to the adults involved.
- Consulting with other care staff.
3. Assess Risks and Benefits
Evaluate the potential risks and benefits of different actions. This involves:
- Considering the immediate and long-term impacts on the adult involved.
- Weighing up the likelihood and severity of potential harm or benefit.
4. Consult Policies and Procedures
Refer to your organisation’s safeguarding policies and procedures. Ensure you align with:
- Legal frameworks (e.g., Care Act 2014).
- Organisational guidelines.
- Best practice standards.
5. Seek Supervision and Support
Don’t handle these situations alone. Work collaboratively by:
- Consulting with your line manager or safeguarding lead.
- Seeking advice from external experts if needed.
- Engaging with multidisciplinary teams.
6. Involve the Adult Safely
Include the adult at risk in the decision-making process, as long as it’s safe and appropriate. Actions include:
- Clearly explaining the situation and possible outcomes.
- Respecting their views and choices.
- Ensuring they understand their rights and options.
7. Implement A Transparent Decision-Making Process
Be clear about how decisions are made. Ensure:
- All actions are documented.
- Rationale for decisions are recorded.
- Processes are fair and unbiased.
8. Address Conflicts of Interest
Identify and manage any potential conflicts of interest. This might involve:
- Disclosing personal connections.
- Ensuring impartiality in all decisions.
- Seeking third-party oversight if necessary.
9. Mediator or Facilitator Roles
Consider using a mediator or neutral facilitator to help resolve conflicts. This person can help by:
- Guiding discussions.
- Ensuring all voices are heard.
- Aiding in finding a mutually acceptable resolution.
10. Follow Up and Review
Safeguarding is an ongoing process. Ensure ongoing safety by:
- Regularly reviewing the situation.
- Monitoring outcomes.
- Adjusting care plans as required.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Family Disagreement on Care Approach
Imagine a situation where an adult with dementia wishes to stay at home, but their family insists on residential care due to safety concerns.
- Recognise and acknowledge the dilemma.
- Gather information from the adult, family, and care staff.
- Assess the risks of home care versus residential care.
- Refer to relevant policies and legal requirements.
- Seek supervision and multidisciplinary advice.
- Involve the adult in discussions about their care preferences.
- Make a transparent, documented decision.
- Address any conflicts of interest, ensuring impartiality.
- Use a mediator to resolve family disagreements if needed.
- Follow up to monitor the adult’s well-being and adjust plans as necessary.
Example 2: Staff Member Accusation
A staff member is accused of neglect, but the accused claims it’s a misunderstanding.
- Recognise and acknowledge the conflict.
- Collect information from witnesses, records, and the staff member.
- Assess the risk to the adult involved.
- Check organisational policies and legal guidelines.
- Seek advice from a safeguarding lead or external body.
- Engage the adult’s perspective where possible.
- Document all decisions and reasoning transparently.
- Identify and manage any conflicts of interest.
- Consider mediation if the staff member disagrees with the outcome.
- Follow up to ensure future safeguarding and healthy staff relations.
Importance of the Lead Practitioner
As a lead practitioner, your role is crucial. You must:
- Exhibit strong leadership.
- Maintain clear communication.
- Ensure transparency and fairness.
Example answers for unit 3.2 Identify actions to take when conflicts and dilemmas about safeguarding arise
Example 1: Conflict Over Different Care Plans
Answer:
“As a lead practitioner, I encountered a situation where two care providers had conflicting views on the best approach for an adult with complex needs. One provider suggested an intensive in-home care regime, while the other recommended a move to a specialist residential facility.
Action Taken:
- I acknowledged the conflict and arranged a meeting with both providers to understand their perspectives.
- I reviewed the adult’s care plan, health records, and noted the benefits of each approach.
- I conducted a risk assessment for both options, considering the adult’s safety and well-being.
- I consulted the safeguarding policy, ensuring compliance with the Care Act 2014.
- I obtained supervision from my line manager and included input from a multidisciplinary team.
- I involved the adult in the decision, explaining the options and respecting their preferences.
- I documented the decision-making process clearly in the records.
- I identified no personal conflicts of interest in this case.
- I facilitated a discussion to resolve the disagreement amicably.
- I scheduled regular follow-ups to review the implementation and adapt the care plan as needed.”
Example 2: Dilemma with Family Wishes
Answer:
“In another scenario, I faced a dilemma where an elderly adult wanted to remain in their own home, but their family insisted on placing them in a care home for safety reasons.
Action Taken:
- I recognised the dilemma and engaged in detailed conversations with the family and the adult.
- I gathered comprehensive information about the adult’s daily needs and current safety measures.
- I evaluated the risks and benefits of both staying at home and moving to a residential facility.
- I consulted the organisation’s safeguarding procedures and relevant legislation.
- I sought advice from our safeguarding lead and involved a supporting social worker.
- I had a direct discussion with the adult, ensuring they understood the options and their rights.
- I documented all findings and the rationale for the eventual decision.
- I managed the potential conflict of interest by maintaining impartiality despite family pressure.
- I arranged a family meeting with a neutral facilitator to mediate and find a common ground.
- I committed to monitoring the situation closely, revisiting the care plan regularly.”
Example 3: Staff Disagreement on Reporting Abuse
Answer:
“One case involved a staff nurse who believed an incident of neglect should be reported immediately, while another staff member felt it could be resolved internally.
Action Taken:
- I quickly recognised the conflict and the urgency of the situation.
- I compiled information about the incident from both staff members and available documentation.
- I assessed the potential risks to the adult if the incident was not reported.
- I referenced our safeguarding policies, prioritising the duty of care and legal reporting obligations.
- I discussed the issue in supervision with my manager to confirm the proper procedure.
- I involved the adult’s advocate to ensure their voice was heard in the process.
- I documented the incident, decision-making process, and actions taken.
- I ensured there were no conflicts of interest affecting the decision.
- I arranged a meeting to address the differing views, promoting a collaborative approach.
- I followed up to ensure the adult’s safety was upheld and the staff understood reporting protocols.”
Example 4: Differing Opinions on Capacity Decision
Answer:
“In a situation where another practitioner and I had differing opinions regarding an adult’s mental capacity assessment, a dilemma arose about how to proceed with care decisions.
Action Taken:
- I recognised the dilemma and scheduled a joint meeting to discuss each viewpoint.
- I reviewed the adult’s capacity assessment documentation and historical data.
- I weighed the risks and benefits of different interpretations of the capacity assessment.
- I referred to the Mental Capacity Act and our safeguarding policies.
- I sought supervisory input and advice from the adult safeguarding team.
- I involved an independent advocate to represent the adult’s interests.
- I documented the decision-making process and the final agreed action.
- I made sure no personal conflicts of interest influenced the decision.
- I invited a third-party mediator to balance the differing professional opinions.
- I planned follow-up assessments to monitor the adult’s capacity status over time.”
Example 5: Cultural Values in Conflict with Care Norms
Answer:
“A family’s cultural values conflicted with standard care practices, creating a dilemma about how to respect their wishes while ensuring the adult’s safety.
Action Taken:
- I acknowledged the cultural conflict and discussed it with the family.
- I gathered information about the cultural practices and the care requirements of the adult.
- I assessed the risks and benefits of adhering to cultural values versus standard care protocols.
- I referred to safeguarding guidelines and anti-discriminatory practice policies.
- I sought advice from cultural competence experts and my supervision team.
- I included the adult in discussions, respecting their cultural background and preferences.
- I documented all discussions, risks, and decisions transparently.
- I checked for any potential personal conflicts of interest.
- I facilitated meetings with a cultural mediator to guide the conversation fairly.
- I monitored the situation closely, adjusting the care approach as needed.”
Example 6: Ethical Dilemma with Consent
Answer:
“I faced an ethical dilemma when an adult refused a life-saving treatment due to personal beliefs, but the medical team insisted on intervention.
Action Taken:
- I acknowledged the ethical dilemma and discussed it with the medical team and the adult.
- I gathered all relevant medical information and the adult’s personal views.
- I assessed the risks and benefits of respecting the refusal versus proceeding with treatment.
- I consulted ethical guidelines and our safeguarding policies.
- I sought multidisciplinary advice, including legal counsel and ethical committees.
- I ensured the adult understood the implications of their decision and respected their autonomy.
- I documented the entire decision-making process and reasoning.
- I identified any potential conflicts of interest and managed them appropriately.
- I arranged for an ethics panel to mediate and support the decision-making process.
- I planned follow-up checks to ensure continued respect for the adult’s wishes and well-being.”
These examples demonstrate the actions a lead practitioner should take to address conflicts and dilemmas in safeguarding, ensuring the adult’s safety and rights are prioritised.
Final Thoughts
Conflicts and dilemmas in safeguarding are challenging. However, by following these steps and remaining dedicated to best practices and the individual’s well-being, you can navigate these complexities effectively. Your actions protect vulnerable adults and uphold the standards of your profession.