Ethics and Comms Flashcards
What is confidentiality
Confidentiality involves safeguarding information obtained during the provision of psychological services. It includes making provisions for the secure collection, recording, access, storage, dissemination, and disposal of information .
When can a psychologist breach confidentiality?
- With the client’s consent (or a legally authorised person on the client’s behalf)
- When required to by law
- When immediate risk of harm to the client or others
- When consulting colleagues i.e. supervision
How should a psychologist handle confidential client information when speaking with colleagues?
Conceal the identify of the client and other parties involved OR if unable, obtain informed consent from client
How long are you required to keep records for?
Adults: 7 years
Children & Adolescents: Until they turn 25 years
What should the psychologist consider when disclosing confidential information?
Disclose only the information which is necessary to achieve the purpose of the disclosure, and only to people required to have that information
Can a psychologist use confidential information for research purposes?
Yes - if informed consent is given and the information is de-identified
What is informed consent?
Psychologists must fully inform clients about the nature and purpose of the psychological services they intend to provide.
What style of language should be used with informed consent?
The information provided must be in plain language that the client can understand, ensuring clarity and comprehension.
What does informed consent typically entail?
- explain nature and purpose of intervention
- clarify foreseeable risks and adverse effects of intervention
- explain how information will be collected and stored
- clarify provision of services i.e. duration, frequency, cost
- limits to confidentiality
- clients may stop or withdraw at any time
- termination of services
Are you required to complete informed consent for children and adolescents?
Parents or guardians have the authority to give consent for individuals under 18 in all Australian jurisdictions. However, psychologists must explain the psychological services to be provided as clearly as possible, respecting the minor’s dignity and taking into account their wishes when appropriate.
What is a mature minor?
A mature minor is a minor who has been assessed to have sufficient maturity and understanding to provide informed consent for their own medical or psychological treatment.
Can a minor request confidentiality from their parents and/or guardians?
Psychologists are ethically obligated to protect the confidentiality of all clients, including minors, as far as possible. Any decision to breach confidentiality must prioritize the minor’s best interests. This includes considering the potential harm that could result from breaching confidentiality versus the benefits of involving parents or guardians.
What should a psychologist consider with divorced or separated parents when providing services to a minor?
Psychologists should clarify the involvement of the other parent and the disclosure of information. Confidentiality should be maintained unless disclosure is necessary to avert risk or required by law.
When would a psychologist be required to engage in mandatory reporting?
Psychologists are required by law to report certain information, such as instances of abuse, neglect, or situations where the minor poses a risk to themselves or others. These mandatory reporting laws override confidentiality agreements.
Is a psychologist required to gain informed consent from someone with an intellectual disability?
Yes - this can be achieved by using simple language, appropriate communication methods (e.g. visual aids), and involving support persons.
When collecting information about a client, what would be considered an invasion of privacy?
Collecting information that is not relevant to the services being provided
What points should be discussed with a client regarding collection and storage of information?
- nature and purpose of collecting information
- where information will be collected from
- where and how long information will be stored
- advising clients they may decline request to collect information
- if declining, advise reasonable consequences
- explain right and limits of confidentiality
What is propriety?
Propriety refers to behaving in a manner that is appropriate, respectful, and adheres to professional standards and ethical guidelines. It involves ensuring that actions and decisions are conducted with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the rights and dignity of clients and others.
What should psychologists do before administering psychological assessments?
Psychologists ensure the appropriateness of assessment tools and explain the strengths and limitations of test results.
What factors should be considered when administering psychological assessments?
Motivation
Response style
Situational stress
and other factors that may affect results.
With forensic clients, how long should records be kept?
Seven years or until all legal matters are resolved
What is a multiple relationship?
Multiple relationship” (also known as a “dual relationship”) occurs when a psychologist engages in more than one type of relationship with a client. These relationships can arise in various forms and may include personal, social, financial, or professional interactions beyond the primary therapeutic or professional relationship.
Why should psychologists avoid multiple relationships?
Multiple relationships may impair competence, effectiveness, objectivity, or ability to render psychological services.
What should a psychologist do if multiple relationships are unavoidable?
Psychologists should identify and disclose any potential, perceived, or actual conflicts of interest to all parties involved, mitigate any potential negative effects, document the nature of the relationship and steps taken to manage them, and seek supervision.
In what contexts are multiple relationships most common?
Rural and remote settings
Organisational settings (i.e. EAP, healthcare, education)
Minority groups (e.g. LGBTQIA+, ethnic groups)
According to the APS, how long should a psychologist wait before engaging in a sexual relationship with a client or next of kin?
Two years
Why are multiple relationships particularly challenging in small or rural communities?
In small or rural communities, psychologists are more likely to encounter clients in various social settings due to the close-knit nature of these communities, making it difficult to avoid dual relationships and maintain strict professional boundaries.
What should a psychologist do if they identify a potential conflict of interest due to a multiple relationship?
The psychologist should assess the ethical appropriateness of the relationship, seek consultation from a senior psychologist or colleague, inform all relevant parties, and document the steps taken to manage the conflict while prioritising the client’s welfare.
What steps should psychologists take to ensure informed consent when dealing with minors?
Psychologists should assess the minor’s capacity to understand, involve parents or guardians as necessary, explain the nature, purpose, risks, and benefits of the treatment, and obtain documented consent from the legal guardians while also seeking the minor’s assent.
How should psychologists handle confidentiality in forensic contexts?
Psychologists should clearly explain the limits of confidentiality, the nature and purpose of the assessment, who will have access to the information, and any legal obligations to disclose information, ensuring clients understand these terms before proceeding.
What are the key components of maintaining professional boundaries?
Key components include establishing clear roles and expectations at the start of the relationship, regular review of the contractual arrangements, clear communication of the limits of confidentiality, and monitoring and maintaining boundaries throughout the professional relationship.
Why is it important for psychologists to have separate professional and personal social media profiles?
It is important to maintain separate profiles to avoid compromising the effectiveness of psychological services, protect client confidentiality, and maintain clear boundaries between personal and professional information.
