Ethics 19-21 Flashcards
Introduction to Emerging Technology-Based Interventions in Occupational Therapy
Definition:
•Emerging technologies encompass medical devices, adaptive equipment, AI, virtual environments, and robotics.
•Purpose:
•Enhance client participation in meaningful occupations.
•Challenge:
•Ethical considerations in selecting safe, effective, and appropriate interventions.
•Opportunity:
•Promote innovative solutions and expand occupational therapy roles.
Importance of Evidence-Based Practice
Foundation:
•Combine clinical expertise with the best available research.
•Key Considerations:
•Client inclusion and safety.
•Individualized goals.
•Ethical reasoning and transparency.
•Policy Influence:
•Advocate for equitable access to health technologies.
Types of Technology Interventions
Assistive Devices:
•One-handed can openers, magnetic zippers.
•Environmental/Assistive Technologies:
•Smart home devices, electric wheelchairs, exoskeletons.
•Therapeutic Tools:
•Virtual reality games, training gloves, robotics.
•Occupational Performance Tools:
•Mindfulness apps, AI-based tools.
Emerging Technologies and Ethical Considerations
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
•Enhances reasoning, learning, and adaptation.
•Considerations: transparency, autonomy, risk-benefit analysis.
•Smart Home Technologies:
•Enable independence for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
•Concerns: privacy, monitoring, and education.
•Virtual Reality (VR):
•Simulates realistic environments to increase engagement and skill acquisition.
•Concerns: cost, training, and client acceptance.
Emerging Technologies and Ethical Considerations (Cont.)
3D Printing:
•Custom health aids at lower costs.
•Concerns: competence, safety, and ongoing maintenance.
•Robotics:
•Supports movement and rehabilitation.
•Concerns: cost, effectiveness, and client/practitioner knowledge.
Barriers to Technology Adoption
Client Barriers:
•Expense, lack of familiarity, or training.
•Practitioner Barriers:
•Limited knowledge, training gaps, and high costs.
•Key Actions:
•Highlight benefits.
•Provide education and training.
•Promote equitable access.
Ethical and Professional Responsibilities
Practitioner Obligations:
•Disclose limitations and provide safe interventions.
•Avoid interventions with insufficient evidence of benefit.
•Ensure client understanding of risks and benefits.
•Client Rights:
•Informed consent versus consent to treat.
•Autonomy to accept or decline emerging interventions.
Key Ethical Questions
Does the client fully understand risks and benefits?
•Has relevant research been shared with the client?
•What guides decision-making when evidence is limited?
•Are client goals aligned with the proposed technology?
Guidelines for Practitioners
AOTA Resources:
•Occupational Therapy Scope of Practice.
•Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.
•State Regulations:
•Adherence to state practice acts.
•Ongoing Competency:
•Continuing education and professional feedback.
Telehealth in Occupational Therapy
Definition:
•Telehealth involves the delivery of evaluative, consultative, preventive, and therapeutic services through information and communication technology (AOTA, 2018).
•Global Impact:
•Telehealth improves access to quality and cost-effective health services, contributing to universal health coverage (WHO, 2022).
Telehealth Adoption in OT Practice
COVID-19 Impact:
•Telehealth use in occupational therapy grew substantially during the pandemic.
•Advantages:
•Saves time and money.
•Enhances access for rural areas or those facing transportation barriers.
•Reduces hospital admissions and complications from chronic diseases.
Applications of Telehealth in OT
Services Provided:
•Evaluation, intervention, consultation, education, training, and health monitoring.
•Examples of Interventions:
•Wheeled mobility assessments.
•Post-stroke rehabilitation.
•Pediatric and dementia care.
•Group mental health interventions.
Benefits of Telehealth in OT
Improves access to care and independence.
•Enhances population health through chronic condition management and behavioral health screening.
•Reported client satisfaction includes clear communication and prompt decision-making.
Ethical Considerations in Telehealth
Advantages:
•Encourages client self-management.
•Facilitates electronic record transfers.
•Challenges:
•Inequality of access due to cognitive or socioeconomic barriers.
•Privacy and confidentiality issues with care extenders.
Informed Consent in Telehealth
Key Elements:
•Fully disclose benefits, risks, and alternatives.
•Discuss storage and privacy of audio/video records.
•Respect client autonomy and the right to refuse telehealth services.
•Documentation:
•Ensure informed consent aligns with state laws.
