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- Title
Recognising or Minimising Ethical Trespass? An Exploration of Professionals' Moral Agency in Prioritising Cases.
- Authors
Gevaert, Koen; Keinemans, Sabrina; Roose, Rudi
- Abstract
Deciding about priority cases in waiting lists is a controversial activity. However, it is a well-known challenge for many social workers. This article addresses two questions related to this problem: how do social workers, as moral agents, experience the policy context in which they must prioritise cases, and what stance do they take towards it? Building on a previous study where a practice of case prioritisation was observed, semi-structured interviews were conducted (n = 11) to explore these questions. The data were analysed through an inductive process of deepening interpretation. The findings paint a picture of ambivalence: the professionals adhere to the policy guidelines of neutrality, priority for the worst-off and equal application of criteria, which are at the same time contradicted by their lived experience. The decision-making process appears to be much more contextual, particularistic and interpretative than the policy guidelines suggest. Questions are raised as to why this reality remains hidden after a discourse of simple rule-following.
- Subjects
PROFESSIONS; SOCIAL workers; RESEARCH methodology; HEALTH facility administration; INTERVIEWING; EXPERIENCE; MEDICAL protocols; LEGAL compliance; RESOURCE allocation; RESEARCH funding; DECISION making in clinical medicine; HEALTH planning
- Publication
British Journal of Social Work, 2023, Vol 53, Issue 2, p755
- ISSN
0045-3102
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/bjsw/bcac150