Professionalism, Bias and Science

Question 1

Professionals

Answer 1

• Have a foundation of knowledge derived from science
• Rely on sound scientific evidence to answer clinical or professional questions
• Gather information and consider the quality of the information to make informed plans or decisions

Question 2

A Profession

Answer 2

• Requires competency specifications
• Requires a code of professional and ethical behaviour
• Requires commitment to serve the public good

Question 3

Professionalism

Answer 3

The embodiment of a profession’s expertise, ethos and service to the public good

Question 4

Professional Ethics

Answer 4

Define how members of a profession ought to act when judged by a system of values

Question 5

4 main features of ETHICS

Answer 5

1. Principles are valued
2. Universality
3. Reasoning
4. Desired outcomes

Question 6

4 FOUNDATIONAL systems of ETHICS

Answer 6

1. Teleology
2. Deontology
3. Virtue
4. Relational ethics

Question 7

Teleology

Answer 7

An analytical and social approach to ethics. Operates from the perspective that right actions are those that produce desirable outcomes.

Question 8

Deontology

Answer 8

An analytical and personal approach that urges us to reflect inward when solving a particular ethical dilemma in order to establish obligatory principles to guide future ethical reasoning. Duty ethics because it calls upon us to act as if the rationale that underlies our action were to become a universal duty.

Question 9

Virtue

Answer 9

Virtue ethics places the character of the individual in the central role of ethical considerations. Focus on the ideal rather than the obligatory and on the intentions of the actor rather than the consequences of the action. Orients professionals to think ethically at all times rather than only when confronted with an ethical dilemma

Question 10

Relational

Answer 10

Relational ethics focus on our experience of others in the social world. Based on the premise that ethical actions always take place in relation to at least one other person

Question 11

Example code of ethics:

Answer 11

• Principle of respect for the dignity of persons and peoples
• Responsible caring
• Integrity of relationships
• Responsibility to society

Question 12

Bias

Answer 12

Learned prejudice for, or against, something

Question 13

Prejudice

Answer 13

Preconceived ideas or opinions we have of someone or something and are often not based on any reason or experience

Question 14

Discrimination

Answer 14

Unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things

Question 15

Factors that contribute to bias and discrimination

Answer 15

• Socialization and conformity
• Sociostructural factors
• Psychological factors
• Historical factors

Question 16

What is Evidence-Based Practice?

Answer 16

Integrates individual clinical expertise, with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research and individual patients’ predicaments, rights and preferences

Question 17

What is the best available external clinical research?

Answer 17

• Well-designed meta-analyses or RCT’s with homogenous, positive findings produced by different investigators