Ethics Flashcards
What is Utilitarianism?
The greater good: decisions driven by the overall consequence (e.g. torturing)
What is the opposite of utilitarianism?
Deontology
What is deontology and what is it the opposite of?
Each act assessed assessed as good or bad in itself (opposite of utilitarianism)
What is Beneficence?
An action taken for the betterment of others: reduce harm
What are the A B C D E F codes of ethics?
Autonomy: self rule and consent Beneficence: remove harm Confidentiality Do no harm: non-maleficence Equality: distributive justice Fairness: procedural justice
What is an example of how the lack of ethical codes lead to mistreatment?
Nuremberg trials - German physicians (namely Karl Brandt) experimenting on/ killing Germans for research
The APS overarching ethical codes include:
A: Respect (autonomy)
B: Propriety (skill = no harm)
C: Integrity (professional)
The four main reasons for the AHPRA adopting the APS code of ethics were:
Clear definitions
Consistency
Familiarity
Support
If AHPRA didn’t adopt the APS code of ethics, what would be there other option?
replace it with the shared National Board’s Code of Ethics
What are the 5 steps when faced with an ethical issue?
- recognise grey areas
- check the code for options
- consult colleagues (but think)
- use resources available
- document steps taken/ options/ decisions and reasons
What is the SOAP format for and what does it stand for?
Writing Case notes
Subjective: been told
Objective: direct observation
Assessment: current thinking
Plan: interventions
What should be considered when writing a report?
Who its for and what are the reader’s needs (limit psychological jargon)
Writing in relative (not absolute) phrases
What do Cohen and Swerdlik use in a clinical report?
Demographic data Reason for referral Tests Administered Findings Recommendations Summary
What is a better way of saying “shows behaviours consistent with” when finally providing a diagnosis?
“x meets the current DSM criteria for x”
Be specific when diagnosing
When can psychs disclose confidential info?
- with consent
- when legally obliged to
- immediate risk by not
