Abstract
Background
Ethical practice in social work is based on standards found in the National Association of Social Workers, Code of Ethics. These standards can be used to guide one in their social work practice. When working with clients, the social worker must be mindful to respond in a way to help their clients while working ethically within the set laws, regulations, and policies. Working within the NASW Code of Ethics can be challenging during situations that might appear to be a conflict of interest, such as the practice of involuntary psychotropic medication administration. This study explores how Master of Social Work Students in their second year (MSWII) at Sacramento State feel about the involuntary administration of psychotropic medication and how the NASW core values and Code of Ethics might influence a social worker on their approach to an issue.
Methods
A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted via a 19-question online survey to study how second year Master of Social Work Students (MSWII) enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at Sacramento State feel about the practice of involuntary psychotropic medication administration.
Results
27 participants were surveyed, with 74.1 percent (n=20) identifying as female. Participants were asked if one should have the right to refuse psychotropic medication, with 55.6 percent of participants responding with, “yes”, one should have the right to refuse medication. 40.7 percent of participants felt that it “depends” on the situation. In different situations regarding individuals who are gravely disabled and or lack the capacity to make informed decisions, participants leaned towards considering the circumstances and did not select a solid “yes” or “no” response on if one should be able to refuse psychotropic medication but instead selected “depends”. Focusing on induvial feelings without interference from other conditions, respondents in general (74.1%), feel that it is not OK to force someone to take psychotropic medication.
Discussion
The sample size for this study was small (N=27) and was limited to MSWII students enrolled at Sacramento State University during the 2020-2021 academic school year. Findings cannot be generalized to a larger population; however, findings might provide insight into how MSWII students feel about the topic of involuntary psychotropic medication administration.
Conclusion
MSWII students surveyed, overall, responded in a manner that is congruent with their Code of Ethics. MSWII students surveyed feel that it is not OK to force someone to take psychotropic medication; however, these feelings alone did not keep respondents from considering the totality of the circumstances.