Course Title: OCCU 5003: Dimensions of Professional Practice
Institution: Dalhousie University
Quick refresher on ethical values & principles
Types of ethical situations
Ethical decision-making
Client-centered practice
Right to safe, competent, and ethical occupational therapy services
Diversity among clients; recognition of each as an individual
Respect for Autonomy
Right to make personal choices
Honoring dignity and worth of each individual
Collaboration and Communication
Determine meaning and purpose for the client
Practice effectively as a team member with clients and other professionals
Honesty
Truthfulness as a cornerstone of trust
Fairness
Justice and equity in all dealings
Accountability
Responsibility for decisions, actions, professional competence, and judgment
Transparency
Full disclosure to maintain integrity in relationships
E1.1: Respect governing laws, codes of ethics, rules, and regulations of occupational therapy
E1.5: Respond to ethical dilemmas using ethical frameworks and client values
E1.8: Obligation to respond to and report unethical behavior
Form Reasoning
Analyzing ethical dilemmas and generating alternative solutions
Focused on determining the 'right' action
Ethical Reasoning
Involves understanding competing principles, risks, and benefits
Interactive Reasoning
Building positive relationships with clients, including using praise and nonverbal communication
Conditional Reasoning
Flexibly respond to changing conditions and anticipate client needs based on past experiences
Professional Ethics
Driven by a focus on 'what should be done' rather than 'what could be done'
Acknowledge complex issues and contradictions in clinical data
Includes ethical dilemma recognition, analysis, self-monitoring, and self-reflection
Ethical Issue
Compromise of at least one ethical value
Ethical Uncertainty
Uncertainty about applicable ethical principles
Ethical Dilemma
Clash between at least two important ethical values
Ethical Temptation
Tension between an ethical value and interest
Ethical Silence
Failure to recognize or discuss the ethical problem
Ethical Distress
Barriers that impede ethical conduct
Societal Level
Concerns based on utilitarianism & deontologism
Institutional Level
Similar to societal concerns
Interpersonal Level
Concerns for others; applicable across all ethical theories
Personal Level
Focused on virtue ethics and axiological ontology
Awareness of professional values to guide practice
Use narrative approaches to respect client values and beliefs
Analyze rights and duties to ensure dignity, autonomy, and freedom
Assess consequences of options for maximal happiness and minimal suffering
Describe the situation to identify the ethical issue
Identify and assess moral reactions
List and verify main hypotheses of the ethical situation
Analyze main ethical issues using QET
Define options and consequences for all actors
Identify all relevant terms, phenomena, and values
Clarify terms and values
Prioritize terms and values
Make a justified decision with convincing arguments
Evaluate the decision and actions taken
Case Example 1
Dilemma faced when functioning as both a client's agent and an injured party's advocate
Difficulty experienced in maintaining integrity with WSIB as the client while being honest with the injured client
Case Example 2
OT at a teen center confronted with attendance issue of grounded teen
Case Example 3
Working with a CVA patient requiring safety measures and restraint, articulating justifications for interventions
Topic: Revisiting Critical Thinking & Clinical Reasoning
Institution: Dalhousie University