module 3 An ethical decision making model

Question 1

explain common transgressions that psychologists make based on evidence of complaints made against psychologists’ practices

Answer 1

Categories of complaints made against psychologists
Complaints made against psychologists often involve perceived breaches of professional conduct. The following list includes the most common categories of complaints:
professional—poor communication
professional—poor reports
professional—poor business practices
professional—boundary violations
issues relating to character
misleading registration claims
impairment
false use of title.

Recommendations to help prevent misconduct;
DO;
Obtain regular supervision from an experienced practitioner.
Explain your professional services to clients.
Treat clients with dignity and respect.
Maintain professional premises and business hours, work in group
practices.
Engage in continuous professional development.
Act on mandatory reporting and PsyBA requirements.
Only use recognised contemporary evidence based practices and be able
to justify your practices.
DON’T;
Do not practice if you are impaired or going through major stress.
Do not practice outside expertise—recognise the limits of your knowledge.
Do not put the needs of your individual clients, work colleagues, lawyers and others before your professional ethics.
Do not practice from home (unless unavoidable).
Do not jeopardise or subvert professional boundaries in relationships.
Do not forget to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

Question 2

justify the use of an ethical decision-making model when faced with an ethical dilemma in psychological practice

Answer 2

The model encourages that all aspects have been well considered prior to a decision.
If document the process well, makes it easy to demonstrate how decision was reached and can be defended easily at a later date if ever challenged.

Question 3

explain each step of the Koocher and Keith-Spiegel ethical decision-making model

Answer 3

1. Is this an ethical dilemma or not? ie consider ethical issue versus ethical dilemma.
   2.What are the facts? Gather further information. Verify as far as can. Be aware some things said by client/other parties are not truthful or are conjecture. Clarify any misunderstandings.
   3.Consult the code and guidelines. Which specific guidelines can be useful?
   4.Consider everything which might influence your decision. What are my own internal pressures/thoughts/culture etc?
2. Seek assistance from trusted qualified sources eg colleagues, supervisors etc. Be mindful though of any multiple relationships when do so. Occasionally, may also need to get advice from a lawyer.
   6.Evaluate the rights/responsibilities/vulnerabilities/impacts/opinions of ALL stakeholders (not just the client). Also consider public opinion. This may be subjective. Might need to re-consultate with the code here.
3. Brainstorm ALL possible decisions.
   8.Consider the pros and cons for ALL possible decisions. Consider consequences for client/psychological profession and legal aspects. Consider economical/psychological/social implications PLUS the time/resources/supports required to implement any decision.
4. Make the decision.
5. Implement the decision. This also requires considering what needs to be done to implement the decision safely and in most ethical manner. What available resources/support systems etc need to be in place? Eg. does client need support of someone in particular when informed of a certain decision or implementation etc?
   10b. Recommended but not stritle part of Koocher& Keith-Speigel. Evaluate the decision and how turned out. eg 1-2 weeks later. Would you change things?

Question 4

apply the Koocher and Keith-Spiegel ethical decision-making model to a case study involving an ethical dilemma.

Answer 4

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