From qualitative case study research to case-based pedagogy: a journey of ethics within school-based wellness centres
Subject
Abstract
"Are there circumstances when respecting a youth‘s choice for privacy involves moral/legal conflict, and following legislation or law may not feel like the right decision?" Due to the distinct and sometimes differing professional policies, philosophies, and administrative structures between two sectors (health care and education) within a school-based wellness model, this dilemma is particularly relevant to the sharing of confidential youth information. A case study pedagogical approach reviews factors that impact student well-being and learning, particularly in communities where many families are experiencing poverty, and as a result have access to a school-based wellness centre. A student, her family, and professionals from each sector are incorporated into a case study that captures situations when students need support for their physical and psychological well-being from educational and/or health care professionals, and when "mature minor consent" conversations are most likely to occur. When a youth enacts their right to keep their health information private (a right associated with mature minor consent legislation) ethical challenges of cross-sector and family member communication may arise. A Cross Sector Ethical Decision Making Support Tool is applied as a teaching tool to guide learners through this ethical case study and decision making process. It is also provided as a template for professionals to take away and utilize if they are involved in an ethically difficult situation in their future. The commonalities and differences in approaching ethical problems and decision making from the perspectives of youth, families, educators and health care providers are identified and recommendations are put forward for future cross sector ethical decision making processes.