SPA (2020) Code of Ethics

Question 1

In what kind of manner should the SPA (2020) Code of Ethics be used?

Answer 1

A PROACTIVE manner

Question 2

What must a speech pathologist consider alongside the 2020 SPA Code of Ethics?

Answer 2

Relevant legislation, Speech Pathology

Australia policies and professional standards

Question 3

What are the Ethical Values in SPA (2020) Code of Ethics?

Answer 3

• Respect and dignity
• Responsiveness
• Quality and safety
• Professionalism and integrity

Question 4

What are the Ethical Principals in SPA (2020) Code of Ethics?

Answer 4

• Autonomy
• Beneficence
• Non-maleficence
• Truth and veracity
• Justice and fairness

Question 5

SPA (2020) Code of Ethics:
Ethical Values
1. Respect and dignity

Answer 5

• Promote a professional culture embodying kindness through taking time to value, listen, show compassion.
• Provide person- and relationship-centred care through respecting the worth of all people.
• Recognise and respect diversity

Question 6

SPA (2020) Code of Ethics:
Ethical Values
2. Responsiveness

Answer 6

• Collaborate, engage, advocate and partner with individuals, families, colleagues, other professionals, and the community to respond to their needs.
• Promote accessible communities.

Question 7

SPA (2020) Code of Ethics:
Ethical Values
3. Quality and Safety

Answer 7

• Provide quality and competent professional services which follow evidence-based practice principles.
• Work within quality improvement and safety frameworks.
• Be responsible for managing personal health and wellbeing to effectively fulfill our professional responsibilities.

Question 8

SPA (2020) Code of Ethics:
Ethical Values
4. Professionalism and Integrity

Answer 8

• Uphold the reputation of our profession in all activites and communications.
• Act in an objective manner, be transparent, accountable and keep commitments.

Question 9

SPA (2020) Code of Ethics:
Ethical Principles
1. Autonomy

Answer 9

• Respect the rights of others to self-determination and to make free and informed decisions.
• Support client autonomy in the way you gain or share information.

Question 10

SPA (2020) Code of Ethics:
Ethical Principles
2. Beneficence

Answer 10

Seek to benefit others through our activities

Question 11

SPA (2020) Code of Ethics:
Ethical Principles
3. Non-maleficence

Answer 11

Act to prevent harm, and do not knowingly cause harm.

Question 12

SPA (2020) Code of Ethics:
Ethical Principles
4. Truth and Veracity

Answer 12

We act honestly and demonstrate respect.

Question 13

SPA (2020) Code of Ethics:
Ethical Prinicples
5. Justice and Fairness

Answer 13

• Professional decision-making is fair and equitable.

* Consider the context and the needs of the person and the wider community.

Question 14

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

Answer 14

• Support people to exercise their human rights
• Act according to relevant legislation
• Uphold and advance the values, principles, ethics, knowledge, and skills of our profession
• Understand and reflect the Code of Ethics in our everyday practice
• Act as professionals
• Comply with SPA policies in a timely fashion

Question 14

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

Answer 14

1. Professional Practice
   
   1. 1 Professional competence
   2. 2 Professional conduct
   3. 3 Professional responsibilities
2. Quality Service
   
   2. 1 Consent, privacy and confidentiality
   3. 2 Accurate and timely information
   4. 3 Conflict of interest
   5. 4 Service planning and provision
   6. 5 Safety and welfare
3. Knowledge
   
   3. 1 Research
   4. 2 Evidence based practice
   5. 3 Current and emerging technology

Question 15

What does the SPA (2020) Code of Ethics align with?

Answer 15

SPA’s Reconciliation Action Plan that recognises, values, and respects
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures, knowledges, ways of healing,
languages and connections to and custodianship of lands, waterways, and seas.

Question 16

How does a member of SPA ensure their knowledge is current and they continue to meet their professional responsibility
to know and understand the Code of Ethics?

Answer 16

• read and comply with the Code of Ethics;
• understand and comply with Speech Pathology Australia policies, and utilise resources
available;
• discuss the Code of Ethics with colleagues through case discussions, critique of
articles and position papers, and reflection on our own practice;
• participate in continuing professional development opportunities related to the Code of
Ethics and to ethical practice; and
• access, complete and reflect upon Speech Pathology Australia’s Ethics Education
Resources.

Question 17

What should a speech pathologist do if they identify a possible breach of the SPA (2020) Code of Ethics?

Answer 17

• consult the Code of Ethics, and any supporting documentation, policies and position
statements, to determine if our concerns are reflected in the values, principles and
standards for ethical practice;
• discuss our concerns with our colleague in a respectful, professional, objective and
empathic manner; then
• contact Speech Pathology Australia for advice.

Question 18

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

1. Professional Practice
   
   1. 1 Professional Competence

Answer 18

• Qualifications, practice to the highest standards of professional competence (per SPA professional standards and agreed scope of practice)
• develop/maintain skills, knowledge, and parterships needed for culturally responsive practice
• recognise uniqueness of Aboriginal and TSI people, their culture and languages
• • Recognise characteristics and context (Inc. cultural/linguistic diversity) making each person and community unique.
• Maintain capacity and competence to practice
  - lifelong learning (PD, supervisor support)
  - Reflective practice
  - Recognise our competence and don’t practice beyond those limits. Seek education and supervision when changing scope of practice.
  - recognise, develop and maintain a contemporary scope of practice for the profession

Question 19

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

1. Professional Practice
   
   1. 2 Professional Conduct

Answer 19

Provide safe, quality professional services

* Exercise due care, skill, attention to detail
* Accountable for provision of services that provide benefit to clients and communities
* Have relevant and suitable service delivery policies and procedures. Comply.
* Communicate our policies and procedures in a responsive and timely manner.
* Provide clear explanations and fulfil undertakings to clients and other stakeholders
* Provide services only where there is a clinical need.
* Ensure clients receive appropriate, timely referrals
* Current, accurate and complete clinical and administrative documentation
* Comply with current SPA Practice Guidelines
* Represent qualifications, experience and standards accurately and fairly.
* Exercise independant, professional judgement
* Don't represent personal views as being those of SPA, the profession or employers'
* Respect colleagues, other health professionals and others we work with. Interact and communicate courteously and professionally.
* In case of conflict b/n employers' policies, codes of conduct and our professional values, codes and standards work to negotiate change/resolution through appropriate channels first, then seek confidential support from SPA.
* Seek express permission for use of materials and original work created/owned by others. Acknowledge contributions of others and other sources of original material.
* Uphold the reputation of our profession and avoid behaviour that would bring the profession into disrepute
   - Do not deliver services which research has shown to be ineffective or harmful.
   - Fulfil committments made implicitly or explicitly.
   - Don't disparage skills, knowledge, services or activities or our colleages, the speech pathology profession, or SPA (without substantial evidence or reasonable justification).
   - Don't engage in activities which bear on, or might negatively affect our professional role.

Question 20

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

1. Professional Practice
   
   1. 3 Professional Responsibilities

Answer 20

• Listen to, respect, learn from, and collaborate with Aboriginal and TSI peoples. Promote achievable and equitable health, wellbeing, communication, and educational outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
• Co-design services with clients and communities.
• Provide responsive and respectful services acknowledging cultural and linguistic diversity.
• use culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, appropriate for the individual or community. Where they don’t exist, work with the community to develop them.
• Treat others with honesty, fairness, respect, and good faith.
• Identify and act on reasonable concerns we have about colleagues’ professional competence or conduct.
• accept responsibility for those we manage, supervise or employ. Demonstrate and discuss ethical practice with those we supervise. Take rreasonable steps to ensure we and those we are responsible for:
  
  • Are supervised by an appropriate supervisor
  • Understand and apply our Code of Ethics
  • Practice competently
  • have opportunities to develop their professional identity, integrity and ethical practice;
  • are supported to reflect on their practice and professional conduce; and
  • are assisted to access relevant PD and support when required.
• If we manage, supervise, or employ others we:
  
  • treat them fairly, without bullying, discrimination, or harassment;
    I - fully inform them of terms and conditions of our r’shp with them;
  • inform them about and involve them in decision making processes;
  • respect and comply with industrial/professional entitlements.
  • provide regular, fair and constructive feedback, and access to PD to improve;
  • make them aware of their employment rights;
  • follow fair process in case of disputes;
  • ensure equitable access to resources; and
  • expressly recognise contributions to clinical practice, teaching, research or administration.
• Contribute to the development, knowledge, and expertise of our profession:
  
  • share clinical practice knowledge and research with colleagues;
  • work to develop our ethical practice. Support others to do the same;
  • participate in clinical education and supervision of uni and work experience students; and
  • crate and maintain research opportunities and supporting research.

Question 21

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

2. Quality Service
   
   2. 1 Consent, privacy, and confidentiality

Answer 21

• ensure informed consent obtained for services, incl. information we share and cost of services.
• all information received and handled in the course of professional services is confidential.
• comply with relevant laws.
• Maintain secure storage of digital and other files and best practices re: privacy and security of personal information.
• do not disclose information about clients or confidences they share, unless:
  
  • our clients consent to this
  • the law permits or requires us to disclose it.

Question 22

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

2. Quality Service
   
   2. 2 Accurate and timely information

Answer 22

• Ensure information provided is clear, accurate and sufficient, and provided in a timely manner.
• Communicate in a respectful and professional way.
• Provide information in a way that is accessible and understood by clients, their families and significant others. This includes information relating to:
  
  • Assessment, reports, and evidence-based practice and the implications of these;
  • our professional opinion about client management to others;
  • the nature and extent of the services available to clients and the likely outcomes of these services or consequences of not receiving the services;
  • the committment required by the client;
    
    • client rights to their personal information; and
    • fees for services and other associated costs.
• Maintain the currency and accuracy of information:
  
  • represent our training and competence accurately; and
  • ensure our promotional, marketing and advertising materials are accurate, objective, based on clinical evidence.
• Educate the community about communication and swallowing and the assistance the speech pathology profession can provide.
• Uphold the reputation of the profession.

Question 23

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

2. Quality Service
   
   2. 3 Conflict of interest

Answer 23

• Don’t allow any personal, professional or financial interest to influence or affect our care of a client.
• Don’t exploit professional relationships for emotional, personal, sexual, or financial gain.
• Don’t sell, buy, endorse or promote the sale of services or products in ways that exploit our professional relationships.
• Don’t directly or indirectly demand, solicit or accept rewards, bribes, substantial gifts, gratuities, testimonials or benefits in respect to our work, with the exception of appropriate fees for our work.
• Avoid conflicts of interest. Do not:
  
  • sell products to our clients unless we reasonably believe that they will be of benefit for the clinically assessed need;
  • conduct a private practice in competition with our employer without appropriate disclosures and consents; or
  • use the resources of employers for private gain without express permission.
• Proactively anticipate, disclose and resolve any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest.

Question 24

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

2. Quality Service
   
   2. 2 Service planning and provision

Answer 24

• endevour to ensure services are accessible and there is equity of access to services for our clients, determined by objective consideration of need (not compromised by prejudice or favour).
• Be innovative and evaluate services provided (ongoing) to ensure they are as efficient and as effective as possible.
• Work in partnership with Aboriginal and TSI peoples, to develop services that are culturally safe and responsive to their needs.
• Recognise, value and embed the skills, knowledges and languages of Aboriginal and TSI peoples in our work.
• Ensure services provided are responsive to the individual’s diverse culture and context.
• Where cessation of services is necessary, do so in an objective, respectful manner that considers clinical need, continuity of service, and in line with our service agreements and the Code of Ethics.
• Advocate for provision of services to a client where a need is identified.
• Practice should reflect the contexts and interests of our clients and the community and is responsive to need.
• Act with integrity, diligence and honesty when accessing and managing funding provisions for our services.
• Protect the well-being of clients when delegating the delivery and administration of speech pathology service.
• Protect the well-being of clients when delegating delivery and administration of speech pathology services.
• Have the equiptment and resources needed to provide services offered.
• Don’t guarantee the results of a therapeutic procedure, prescribed devices or interventions.
• Inform clients of potential outcomes of a therapeutic procedure or prescribed device that can be reasonably expected based on best available evidence.
• Act ethically and legally when we own or manage a business.

Question 25

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

2. Quality Service
   
   2. 2 Safety and welfare

Answer 25

*Comply with all relevant legislation, standards and procedures in order to avoid physical and psychological injury to ourselves and others.
* The equiptment we use is accurate, well maintained, in proper working order, and we are trained and competent in its use.
* Act on suspicion of harm and comply with reporting requirements.
*

Question 26

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

3. Knowledge
   
   3. 1 Research

Research is undertaken to add to the evidence base for SP and its translation into practice

Answer 26

• When undertaking research, develop and use protocols, and conduct research in a manner which complies with standards accepted by the health and scientific community:
  
  • obtain approval, where required, for research projects and other scholarly activities, including ethics approval for studies;
  • ensure that research protocols comply with all relevant laws and standardss;
  • act with integrity diligence and honesty when accessing and managing research funding;
  • ensure research involving Aboriginal and TSI people and communities aligns with ethical guidelines identified by the SPA Aboriginal and TSI Advisory Committee;
  • respond to the diverse context of the individuals and/or communities involved in the research and comply with specific ethical guidelines applying to the context;
  • ensure participation in research doesn’t needlessly delay or prevent access to evidence-informed methods of assessment or intervention.
  • use peer review processes to evaluate research before presenting it to the public; and
  • acknowledge other professionals in publications, presentations, or products when referencing their work or contribution.

Question 27

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

3. Knowledge
   
   3. 2 Evidence based practice

Answer 27

• Ensure your professional practice is underpinned by the best available and generally accepted evidence.
• Consider evidence from systematic research as well as the best available evidence from clinical practice and the preferences of a fully informed client.
• Understand and act according to the strengths and limitations of the best available evidence to ensure beneficence and non-maleficence.

Question 28

SPA (2020) Ethical Practice Standards

3. Knowledge
   
   3. 3 Current and emerging technology

Answer 28

*When we make use of current and emerging technology, information and communication systems we do so in a professional, evidence-based manner.