WEEK 6 ETHICS

Acknowledgement of Country

• Respect for the Elders and custodians of the Whadjuk Nyungar nation, past and present.
• The Curtin University Bentley Campus is situated on Whadjuk/Nyungar land, significant for cultural continuity and well-being of its traditional custodians.

Weekly Learning Outcomes

• Identify unethical practices in an Australian health context.
• Highlight key issues in human research ethics.
• Discuss the significance of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) from an ethical viewpoint for health professionals.

Importance of Ethics in Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

• Ethics informs all EBP: Combining professionalism, best research evidence, client characteristics, and available resources influences decision-making in health practices.
• Continuous learning and understanding of ethical responsibilities is essential for effective practice in healthcare.

Key Ethical Principles

1. Autonomy:

   • Participants must have the choice to participate or withdraw and should give informed consent.

2. Beneficence:

   • Ethical obligation to act for the benefit of others. Consideration of how results will benefit individuals or communities.

3. Non-Maleficence:

   • The principle of "do no harm." Investigating how interventions can potentially harm participants and how to avoid this.

4. Justice:

   • Everyone should be treated fairly in healthcare practices and research.

5. Respect for Human Dignity:

   • Ensuring that interventions uphold the dignity of participants as human beings.

6. Confidentiality:

   • Securely maintaining information privacy and not disclosing personal data without consent.

7. Veracity:

   • Commitment to truthfulness; participants should be properly informed about the study and consent process.

Ethical Considerations Specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

• Ethical principles must encompass:
  • Responsibility: Researchers have duties to participants and communities.
  • Cultural Continuity: Research practices should honor the culture and stories of the participants.
  • Spirit and Integrity: Respect for cultural significance and spiritual beliefs of individuals.
  • Equity: Fair treatment and acknowledgment of underlying historical injustices should be considered in research.
  • Reciprocity: Offering benefits back to the community in research interactions and findings should be prioritized.
  • Respect: Prioritizing respect for cultural values, norms, and practices.

Scenarios and Ethical Responses

Scenario 1: Palliative Care for Aboriginal Families

• Ethical Principles to Consider:
  • Autonomy (informed consent)
  • Beneficence (ensuring support benefits participants)
  • Non-Maleficence (avoiding harm)
  • Justice (ensuring fair treatment)
  • Respect for Dignity, Confidentiality, and Veracity.
• Research Design Considerations:
  • Culturally secure practices in recruitment and data collection.
  • Maintain ongoing support (psychological, financial) for participants throughout the research process.

Scenario 2: Mining Company Perspectives

• Ethical Issues Involved:
  • Autonomy (pressure to participate)
  • Veracity (representing mining truthfully)
  • Beneficence (considering holistic health).
• Response:
  • Acknowledge power imbalances and ensure employee welfare in participation.
  • Consider the implications of cultural continuity in perspectives shared.

Scenario 3: Informed Consent in Medical Procedures

• Ethical Issues:
  • Autonomy (indicating true understanding)
  • Non-maleficence (potential psychological harm)
  • Importance of communication, supported by culturally appropriate resources.
• Response:
  • Engage Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers for clear communication of processes.
  • Collaborate across sectors (social work, counseling) to address the patient’s comprehensive needs and understanding before procedures.

Concluding Knowledge

• Understanding unethical scientific research within an Australian context.
• Highlighting key issues in human research ethics and the ethical implications of EBP in healthcare practice.