Promoting anti-discriminatory practice Health and social care

Question 1

Anti-discriminatory practice

Answer 1

Ensures care needs of all service users are met regardless of differences in - Race, religion, culture, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation
Prejudices of staff and service users are challenged
It is legal requirement set out in Equality Act 2010 Underpinning policies and practices of care settings
Legislation exists to ensure vulnerable groups of people are not discriminated against

Question 2

Discrimination

Answer 2

Treating a person or group of people different Especially in a worse way from the way that you treat other people Because of skin colour, gender, sexuality, culture, beliefs, ability, health, family structure Etc.

Four types of discrimination : Direct, indirect, unfair, positive

Care workers need to understand importance of avoiding discriminatory language and behaviour In order to employ anti-discriminatory practices in their own work
It is crucial to prevent discrimination So everyone personal needs are met

Possible effects of discrimination in H and Sc : Depression and anxiety Loss of self-esteem Stress Reluctance to seek support and treatment Impact on waiting times for different groups Feeling unable to work Mental illness triggered by stress Injury and death Living in fear of others Losing sense of who you are Withdrawal from social activities Loss of confidence

Question 3

Preventing discrimination in H and Sc

Answer 3

Adapting how H and Sc services provided
Reflective practice - Thinking about how you dealt with particular concerns
Making sure policies and procedures understood and implemented
Updated staff training and CPD (Continued Professional Development)
Involving service users in decisions about themselves - informed decisions
Resources to meet service user needs and adaptations made
Staff need to challenge inappropriate discriminatory behaviour

Question 4

Equality Act 2010

Answer 4

Legally protects people from discrimination in workplace and wider society
Replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single act
Protects from discrimination of protected characteristics and harassment

Question 5

Human Rights Act 1998

Answer 5

All citizens in GB have legal protection through courts
Applies to all parts of UK
Guarantees rights to people cared for by public authorities to be treated equally with fairness dignity respect

Question 6

World not free from prejudice and discrimination

Answer 6

Despite legislation underpinning policies, procedures, codes of practice governing professional practice of care provided in H and Sc settings
Unfair treatment is daily experience for many people in society
Anti-discriminatory practice ensures a service users legal rights are in place
Care settings Anti-discriminatory practice involves promoting equal opportunities for all and challenging discrimination at work

Question 7

Exam question : Discuss what you think H and Sc workers should do to promote anti-discrimination

Answer 7

• H and Sc workers need to address their own prejudice and adapt their behaviour to ensure that clients needs are met Whatever clients ethnic background, age, disability, or sexual orientation
• H and Sc workers need to understand and meet individual needs of all service users Including people from diverse cultures, people belonging to wide range of religious groups, gay people or people with unclear sexualities, people who have learning communication or mental difficulties
• H and Sc workers need to celebrate contribution that a diverse range of people can bring to setting and society
• H and Sc workers need to actively challenge intentional and unintentional discrimination against clients and patients
• H and Sc workers need to ensure the setting is welcoming and accessible
• H and Sc workers need to compensate

Question 8

Adapting to meet individual needs

Answer 8

Ensure wheelchair users have full access to movement in the setting E.g. Ramps Wide doorways Toilet facility adaptations Kitchen and dining rooms rearranged
For service users who English as second language Little or no English Information needs to be available in a variety of different languages
If service user has hearing impairment It may be necessary to use written or visual communication rather than spoken Ensure a quiet area available for important conversations and meetings Employ signer or interpreter to ensure communication channels clear
In multi-cultural settings Dietary requirements