Ethical Dilemmas

 

Understanding Ethical Dilemmas Through Study and Practice

I have developed an understanding through my studies in Health and Social care, I have come to realise just how often professionals in healthcare care are required to make difficult choices, such as choosing between two or more appropriate options, where these decisions may involve conflicting values or beliefs (White et.al., 2024). I used to think that making the right choice was about following rules, but it is not always that simple and any decisions may have major consequences.

From my experience in the workplace. I have personally witnessed the challenges of ethical dilemmas firsthand. I have seen how complex these situations can be, with professionals trying make the right decisions for those involved in a situation, even when there is no clear right or wrong answer.

In one case a patient was continually refusing medication, the team wanted to uphold beneficence by promoting the patients’ health, but the patient was exercising their autonomy. There was a tension around the patient. I considered even if a decision feels right medically, there is still an ethical obligation to respect the patient’s choice and surely this would be paramount. (Furlan, 2025).

Another situation arose where a seriously ill patient was experiencing severe pain. This patient was unable to speak for themselves, so a family member was acting on their behalf as decision maker. The doctor recommended opioids, but the family member refused and asked them to use something like paracetamol. Following the principle of beneficence, the doctor wanted to relieve the patient of pain but had to respect the family members decision. This raised concerns of non-maleficence, as allowing the patient to remain in pain, could be seen as causing harm by not acting. It can be challenging when a healthcare professional believes something is in the patient’s best interest, but that view does not align with the family members requests (Aldolaim, 2021).

 

My Observations on Social Media’s Impact

It was startling to observe how social media presents itself in healthcare today, bringing new ethical challenges. Let’s take weight loss jabs such as Ozempic or Mounjaro. Influencers are promoting them with little or no discussion or medical background, prompting people to take them, not being fully aware of the risks and challenges that they can face (Graham, 2024). These people are creating ethical problems, it can potentially harm people, undermine healthcare professionals and undermine patient privacy through social media (Cuan-Baltazar et. al., 2023). Digital platforms can blur professional boundaries and pressurise their audience into medical decisions with the potential of causing harm.

 

A personal Example: Mental Health, Online Advice

During the pandemic there was an increased rise of unlicensed mental health advice online, leading to ethical concerns. During the pandemic, many individuals, especially peers were turning to social media platforms, finding creators and influencers sharing personal stories of depression and anxiety. This kind of content can initially be comforting to the person seeking advice and support. However, issues can arise when offered a diagnosis or therapeutic techniques, without credentials. It became alarming. These influencers may be unintentionally spreading harmful advice or misinformation to vulnerable people, looking for help (Gillis 2024).

 

My Proposed Solutions Through Critical Thinking

A multifaceted approach is required when addressing social media related ethical dilemmas. Healthcare professionals need stronger media literacy skills in order to deepen their understanding of social media algorithms and share evidence-based information in engaging, accessible and effective ways (Zarocostas  2023).

I think regulatory bodies are responsible for setting clear guidelines for healthcare professionals in respect of the use of social media. These guidelines should allow free expression with patient privacy and public trust (Newberry C, 2025). Social media and health organisations need to form partnerships, to identify harmful misinformation and instead promote trusted evidence based content and credible health information sources (Neurology Journal 2021).

As someone working within the healthcare profession, I think education programs are essential and should integrate ethics training for digital platforms. I believe it is essential for navigating social media responsibly as the impact of social media on health communication is growing exponentially.

 

 

My Personal Commitment Moving Forward

Within this reflection I have come to realise that ethical dilemmas within the healthcare sector are becoming more complex as a result of digital technologies reshaping the way we communicate. Social media presents opportunities and responsibilities that I will navigate within my work life. I am committed to maintaining ethical boundaries and develop strong literacy skills in my online presence. By utilising professional guidelines, reflection and critical thinking skills, my aim is to navigate these challenges protecting patient confidentiality, promote accurate health information and maintain ethical practice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

Aldolaim S, (2021). Ethical Dilemma: Healthcare Surrogate Refusal of Opiod Administration. Pain Management Nursing, 22(6), 806-810. Available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2021.05.012.

Cuan-Baltazar, J.Y., Munoz-Perez. M.J., Robledo-Vega, E., Perez-Zepeda, M.F. and Soto-Vega, E., (2023). The Role of Social Media in Health Misinformation and Disinformation during Covid 19. Available at, https://pmc.ncbi,nim.nih.gov/articles/pmc105518001.

Furlan, E., and Giannini, A. (2025). Irrational Refusal of Medical Treatment: Ethical Considerations. Available at, https://pubmed.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/.

Gillis K., (2024). The Danger of Unlicenced Mental Health Influencers. Psychology Today. Available at, https://www.psychology/today.com/us/blog/invisible-bruises/202406/the-danger-of-unlicenced-mental-health-influencers.

Graham, M., (2024). Influencers Love Ozempic – but they aren’t telling you about the risks. Wall Street Journal. Available at, https://www.wsj.com/health/pharma/ozempic-weight-loss-drug-side-affects-social-media-influences-66f73ac0.

Neurology Journal, (2021). Use of Social Media in Healthcare-Opportunities, Challenges, Ethical Considerations. Neurology. Available at. https://www.neurology,org/doi/10.1212/wnl.0000000000012557.

Newberry, C., (2025). Social Media in Healthcare. A Regulation-Friendly Guide for 2025. Hootsuite. Available at, https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-healthcare/

White, J., Smith, K. and Johnson, L. (2024). Current Ethical Dilemmas Experienced by Therapists who use Social Media: A Systematic Review. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research. Available at, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.co/doi/full/10.1002/capr12678.

Zarcosta, J, (2023). The Social Media Infodemic of Health-Related Misinformation and Technical Solutions. Science Direct. Available at, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/5211883724000091.

 

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