Ethics in Assistive Technology Notes

Ethical Dilemma vs. Ethical Distress

• When faced with ethical challenges, it's crucial to differentiate between ethical distress and ethical dilemmas.
• Ethical Distress:
  • Occurs when the correct action seems clear, but obstacles prevent its execution.
  • You know the right thing to do but face barriers.
• Ethical Dilemma:
  • Arises when the correct action is unclear, and multiple options exist without a clear right or wrong answer.
  • The appropriate course of action is uncertain.

Ethical Decision-Making Steps

1. Identify the Issue:
   • Determine whether the situation presents an ethical distress or an ethical dilemma.
2. Identify Key Players:
   • Determine exactly who is involved in this matter.
3. Gather Information:
   • Collect all necessary information required to make an informed decision.
4. Immediate Actions:
   • Determine if any immediate actions are needed and implement them.
5. Consider Alternative Actions:
   • Brainstorm a range of alternative actions and predict the potential outcomes of each.
6. Code of Ethics, Laws, and Policies:
   • Evaluate where the professional code of ethics fits into the situation.
   • Consider any relevant laws or policies that may influence the decision.
7. Determine Best Course of Action:
   • Based on the gathered information, decide on the most appropriate course of action.
   • Be prepared to justify the chosen action.
8. Evaluate Outcome:
   • Assess the outcome of the chosen action.

Further Considerations

• Consultation: Determine who else needs to be involved and if protocols need to be followed.
• Moving Forward: Plan how to proceed while adhering to ethical principles.
• Impact Assessment: Consider who will be affected by the decision and how to minimize negative effects or prevent future occurrences.

Contextual Nature of Ethics

• Ethics are not universal and can vary based on cultural and environmental contexts.
• Example 1: Leaving babies outside in strollers in Scandinavia is considered acceptable due to the belief in health benefits, while it may be frowned upon in the United States.
• Example 2: Co-sleeping is common in many cultures until children are around four years old, whereas in Western cultures, children are often trained to sleep independently from a young age.

Recognizing Personal Biases

• It is important to recognize personal biases.
• As occupational therapists, be aware of ingrained biases and consider whether judgments are influenced by personal background rather than genuine ethical concerns.

Key Takeaway

• As occupational therapists, a code of ethics must be followed while making sure to also consider the cultural context and environment when making decisions.