Ethical Guidelines for Speech Therapists

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Questions and Answers

What must health practitioners ensure regarding patient information shared via social media?

Privacy settings must be adjusted frequently.

Information can be shared with other authorized individuals.

Patients should verify the age of the practitioner.

Recipients understand the information is confidential. (correct)

Which action is recommended when a patient sends an inappropriate message via social media?

Politely re-establish professional boundaries. (correct)

Forward the message to a colleague.

Immediately block the patient.

Ignore the message entirely.

What is the primary reason for health practitioners to separate their professional and personal social media accounts?

To maintain appropriate professional boundaries. (correct)

To increase the number of followers.

To enhance personal branding.

To advertise services more effectively.

What should health practitioners avoid posting on social media regarding patients?

Informal and derogatory comments. Signup and view all the answers

What effect can inappropriate social media content have on a health practitioner?

It can negatively impact their employability. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of professional interaction, which platform is discouraged for health practitioners to engage with patients?

Social media platforms. Signup and view all the answers

What must health practitioners obtain before publishing patient information on social media?

Written consent from the patient Signup and view all the answers

What action should a health practitioner take if a patient seeks advice over social media?

Request them to schedule an in-person appointment. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of comments should health practitioners refrain from making to maintain ethical standards on social media?

Comments that can be perceived as prejudiced. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following challenges is most associated with the use of social media by health practitioners?

Privacy not guaranteed Signup and view all the answers

In sharing information on social media for educational purposes, what is a critical requirement for health practitioners?

Information must be published anonymously Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key objectives of the HPCSA regarding social media use by health practitioners?

To guide the profession and protect the public Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following obligations must health practitioners be aware of when using social media?

HPCSA Ethical Rules and relevant legislation Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a benefit associated with the use of social media for health practitioners?

Enhanced digital privacy Signup and view all the answers

When discussing patient care online, what should health practitioners avoid blurring?

The line between educational content and patient confidentiality Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence for health practitioners misusing social media?

Damage to employment and reputation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents the guidelines for health practitioners when using social media?

Practitioners should include disclaimers in their profiles, clarifying that their views are personal. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of social media, what is considered an unethical practice for health practitioners?

Responding publicly to derogatory comments made by colleagues. Signup and view all the answers

What principle should health practitioners consider regarding confidentiality when utilizing social media?

Practitioners should never post about patients even with disguised information. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of failing to adhere to social media guidelines for health practitioners?

It may lead to strict penalties and loss of licensure. Signup and view all the answers

What practice is specifically prohibited for health practitioners when advertising on social media?

Encouraging the use of a specific hospital for personal gain. Signup and view all the answers

How should health practitioners handle derogatory social media comments made about them?

Discreetly bring the comment to the attention of the offender. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is critical for health practitioners to ensure when using social media in their personal capacity?

Adjusting privacy settings to limit public access to their profiles. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'touting' in the context of health practitioners’ advertisement practices?

Guaranteeing results outside the scope of practice. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Guidelines for Speech Therapists and Audiologists

Ethics is the study of morality and values, moral principles that govern behavior, knowing what is right and wrong, and human decision-making.
Values are personal standards and principles.
Morals conform to accepted standards and determine or constrain ethics.
Historical dilemmas (Nazi experiments, Tuskegee syphilis studies, monster studies) have shaped ethical decision-making around human rights.
Ethics is based on the Declaration of Helsinki, Hippocratic oath, Bill of Rights, SA Constitution, National Health Act, various SA acts, and the child act and safety act. It also considers the rights of people with disabilities.
Ethical codes are set up to protect individuals and the community, as well as morality of the group.
Moral dilemmas involve balancing patient needs versus the needs of others (family, community, society).

Who Sets Standards?

Parents, philosophers, priests, public, profession, Parliament, and press all play a role in setting standards.

Historical Dilemmas

Nazi experiments, Tuskegee syphilis studies, and monster studies are historical dilemmas that illustrate complex ethical challenges in research and decision-making concerning human rights and ethical conduct.

Ethics Based On

Documents such as the Declaration of Helsinki and the Hippocratic oath form the foundation for ethical practice.
Legislation like the Bill of Rights, the SA Constitution, the National Health Act, and specific statutes for children and safety, as well as the rights of people with disabilities, are crucial guidelines.

Ethical Codes

These codes aim to guide acceptable professional conduct in various contexts.

Professionals and Ethical Rules

Professionals should lead honest lives, know and do what's right, consider justice and how to inflict no harm, distinguishing between good and bad.
Professionals need to be virtuous and develop their clinical touch/judgment capability, demonstrating understanding of right and wrong.

Features of Professionalism

Commitment to serving the public, expertise in specific areas, and self-regulation are essential components in professionalism.
Professions are guided by codes of ethics.

Code of Ethics

Non-maleficence (avoiding harm)
Beneficence (acting in the best interests of the client)
Honesty and truthfulness in communication
Justice, fairness, and impartiality in treatment and care.
Keeping commitments and respecting confidentiality

Core Ethical Values and Standards

Respect for individuals, prioritizing their best interests, ensuring no harm, and allowing self-determination are fundamental ethical values.
Maintaining integrity, truthfulness, trust, and patient confidentiality are vital.
Practical application of these principles forms a strong foundation for professional practice.

Autonomy

Respecting patient privacy, protecting confidential information and obtaining informed consent are key elements.

Ethical Predicaments

Stressful work situations may cause dilemmas and distress.
Professional codes guide decision-making and address conflicts of interest or other problematic situations.

Professional Ethical Behavior

Professional conduct should adhere to truthful and honest practices, without making promises that cannot be kept.
It is important to balance different needs and priorities fairly.

Ethical Behaviour

Adherence to ethical principles in professional duties is crucial, and professionals must be aware of constraints and limitations that impact real-life practice.

Ethical Grid

A framework for ethical decision-making by considering societal expectations, individual needs, and outcomes.

Strategies to Reduce Moral Stress

The strategies to understand and reduce professional moral stress cover the area of professional well-being.
Actively finding ways to cope with difficult situations and having support networks.

Areas of Concern

Over-servicing, over-charging, mobile practice, hearing aid fraud, inexperienced practitioners, CAPD management, and "strings attached" represent potentially problematic issues in practice.
Media and technology (implications of social media, advertising on social media, and use of technology for practice) raises concerns.
Loose lips and disclosure (confidentiality) are important considerations for ethical and professional behavior.

Insurance/Indemnity

Insurance is essential to protect against accidents in practice.

Ethical Conflicts

The ever-increasing use of technology and expanding scopes of practice highlight increasing ethical conflicts.
Businesses practices becoming more prominent for professionals.

Harassment

Misconduct in work situations (harassment and discrimination) raises ethical concerns.
Professionals often need to report such issues if they arise.

Practicing in the Health Professions

Recent graduates often embark on community service positions before private practice to gain experience.
Community service is a mandatory step in the educational process.
Students need to register with certain bodies to practice.
They must understand their rights and responsibilities.

Going into Private Practice

There are various ways to start a private practice, such as sole practices, partnerships, and group practices or being incorporated.
Professionals need insurance to protect their business.

Report writing and Professional Notes

Patient records are important for various reasons (continuity of care, promoting standards, legal documentation).
Records are important for audit, education purposes and can be used in legal proceedings.
Documentation should adhere to professional standards.

Record Keeping

Contemporaneous record keeping (records created at the time of the event) is important.
Record integrity and accessibility are crucial.
Security and confidentiality of records should be ensured.

Telepractise

Issues of confidentiality and ethical practices apply to telemedicine.

Infection Control

Following universal precautions and proper disinfection practices are essential, according to context.
Handling spills and managing infectious diseases safely are essential.

Multilingual Population

Serving multilingual clients requires a good understanding of different languages.

Using social media responsibly is now a crucial ethical consideration.
Sharing professional information, respecting confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest are important aspects.
Maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding personal biases on social media is crucial.
Avoiding inappropriate comments is essential for maintaining professional integrity.

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Description

This quiz explores the ethical standards and moral principles essential for speech therapists and audiologists. It covers historical dilemmas, key ethical frameworks, and the rights of individuals. Test your knowledge on how ethics shapes decision-making in therapeutic practices.