CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT: ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
The object of a Code of Professional Conduct is to establish a general standard of professional conduct for all health professionals. Such a code should be revised from time to time in order to meet the customs and conditions prevailing on the physiotherapy profession at all times. It aims to sustain the dignity and integrity of the physiotherapist, hallmarks which have been associated with professional practice over many years. It assists the physiotherapist in ensuring that his/her conduct is always based on obligations to patients/clients, fellow physiotherapists, health and other professionals, and the community. It should always be borne in mind that one hasty or ill-considered action may bring discredit to not only the physiotherapist involved, but to the whole profession. The Ethical Principles are those which should be observed by all physiotherapists in the execution of all aspects of practice. Guidance regarding interpretation, clarifications and application or when in doubt, consult a senior colleague or a member of the national executive Committee.
At all times a physiotherapist shall:
Respect the rights and dignity of all individuals;
Help all those who seek his/her professional service, without discrimination, fear or favour;
Give an honest, competent and accountable professional service;
Recognise the extent and limitations of his/her professional expertise and undertake only those activities that are within his/her professional competence;
Hold in confidence all personal information entrusted to him/her, except where disclosure is in the best interest of his/her patient/client/colleague(s)/community;
At all times maintain the highest standard of professional competence and continually update and extend his/her professional knowledge and skills;
Contribute to the planning and development of services which enable individuals within the community to achieve optimum health; unless there is a proper reason to act otherwise in a particular instance.
INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION OF ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
In all professional activities a physiotherapist represents the profession, whose foundation is based on the ideal of service to the individual and the community, as expressed in the ethical principles. In all circumstances a physiotherapist is expected to behave in a manner that will enhance the honour of the profession. The following guidelines reflect these ideals.
THE RIGHTS AND DIGNITY OF ALL INDIVIDUALS
Respect for the dignity of the individual is the cornerstone of professional practice. Therefore the relationship between a physiotherapist and any recipient of professional service or a colleague shall be one of mutual trust and respect, based on a clear recognition of the rights of all parties. The existence of honesty, tolerance and truthfulness in the relationship is implied.
Rights of the patient/client
Patient/client:
Has the right to receive the best possible physiotherapy service.
Has the right to be protected from over-servicing and to receive physiotherapy only as long as it is beneficial. A commitment of service, not of self-interest, may rightfully be expected from members of the physiotherapy profession.
Has a right to privacy, and willingness to relinquish this shall never be taken for granted. At all times the patient/client shall be treated by the physiotherapist with sensitivity and mindfulness of his/her dignity as a human being.
Or his/her legal guardian has a right to be provided with sufficient information regarding assessment findings, treatment options and inherent or potential risks, in a manner that is understandable, such that informed consent to treatment may be given or withheld.
Has the right to expect to benefit from all the resources available to the physiotherapist for the best possible health care. Therefore the physiotherapist must be prepared to refer the patient/client to a more suitably qualified person, when appropriate.
Has the right to self-determination and to make his/her own life decisions. This includes the right to:
6.1 Exercise freedom of choice in seeking and obtaining physiotherapy services/options or alternate care. Any request for a second physiotherapy opinion shall not be refused a patient/client.
6.2 Choose to cease treatment and accept a level of disability even if further physiotherapy may improve such situation.
Rights of the physiotherapist
The physiotherapist has the right to:
1. Professional independence and autonomy.
2. Be free from unwarranted attacks on his/her honour, reputation and competency, and the right to be advised of any written complaint of unprofessional conduct against him/her and to be given every reasonable opportunity to defend him/herself against such charges in accordance with the rules of natural justice.
3. Expect co-operation from colleagues.
4.Refuse to treat or intervene when, in his/her opinion, the service will not be in the best interest of the recipient.
5. Reasonable remuneration for professional services rendered.
Rights of the profession
The profession has the right to expect
1 Loyalty of its members and to protect itself from any disrepute that may be brought by incompetent, unethical or illegal behaviour of any member.
2 That its good name shall not be brought into disrepute by public argument.
3 That those who teach physiotherapy have the qualifications, competence and experience to do so.
4 That the practice of physiotherapy shall not be undermined by the indiscriminate teaching of physiotherapy skills to other individuals or groups Click here to DOWNLOAD the complete CODE OF ETHICS>>> |
