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Professional Ethics & Conduct

1. Introduction

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The Professional Ethics and Conduct Policy outlines the ethical principles, standards of behaviour, and professional conduct expected of Occupational Therapists providing virtual consultation services to care homes. This policy ensures compliance with relevant UK laws, regulations, and professional standards governing healthcare practice.

 

Occupational Therapists will also adhere to the Royal College of Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Professional Standards and comply with HCPC regulations

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2. Ethical Principles

Occupational Therapists providing virtual consultation services will adhere to the following ethical principles:

  • Beneficence: Occupational Therapists will act in the best interests of care home residents, striving to promote their health, well-being, and quality of life through evidence-based practice and client-centered care.

  • Non-Maleficence: Occupational Therapists will do no harm to care home residents, avoiding actions or interventions that may cause physical, psychological, or emotional harm.

  • Autonomy: Occupational Therapists will respect the autonomy and self-determination of care home residents, honoring their right to make informed decisions about their care and treatment preferences.

  • Justice: Occupational Therapists will provide equitable and fair access to occupational therapy services, ensuring that care home residents receive services based on their needs, without discrimination or bias.

 

3. Professional Conduct

Occupational Therapists providing virtual consultation services will demonstrate professional conduct consistent with the following standards:

  • Integrity: Occupational Therapists will uphold the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and transparency in all professional interactions and relationships.

  • Respect: Occupational Therapists will treat care home residents, colleagues, and other stakeholders with respect, dignity, and sensitivity to cultural diversity and individual differences.

  • Confidentiality: Occupational Therapists will maintain the confidentiality and privacy of client information shared during virtual consultations, adhering to data protection regulations and professional standards of confidentiality.

  • Professional Boundaries: Occupational Therapists will establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with care home residents, avoiding dual relationships or conflicts of interest that may compromise the therapeutic relationship.

 

4. Informed Consent

Occupational Therapists will obtain informed consent from care home residents or their legal representatives prior to initiating virtual consultations. Informed consent includes:

  • Explaining the purpose, nature, and potential risks and benefits of virtual consultations.

  • Providing information about the use and disclosure of personal and health information during consultations.

  • Ensuring that care home residents have the capacity to consent or involving their legal representatives in the decision-making process if they lack capacity.

 

5. Competence and Continuing Professional Development

Occupational Therapists providing virtual consultation services will maintain competence in their practice and engage in ongoing professional development activities to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities. This includes:

  • Staying abreast of current evidence-based practice guidelines, emerging technologies, and best practices in virtual care delivery.

  • Participating in continuing education, training, and professional development opportunities relevant to virtual consultation services.

  • Seeking supervision, mentorship, or consultation as needed to address areas of professional growth or development.

 

6. Ethical Decision-Making

Occupational Therapists will engage in ethical decision-making processes when faced with dilemmas or conflicts of interest in the course of their practice. This includes:

  • Identifying ethical issues and considering the potential impact on care home residents, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

  • Consulting relevant ethical guidelines, professional codes of conduct, and organisational policies to inform decision-making.

  • Seeking input from colleagues, supervisors, or ethics committees as needed to resolve ethical dilemmas and uphold professional standards.

 

7. Reporting Violations

Occupational Therapists have a duty to report any violations of ethical standards or concerns about professional conduct observed or experienced during virtual consultations. This includes:

  • Reporting concerns to Care Home OT's designated ethics officer, supervisor, or management team.

  • Cooperating fully with any investigations or inquiries into alleged violations of professional ethics or conduct.

  • Advocating for the rights and well-being of care home residents and upholding the integrity of the occupational therapy profession.

 

8. Review and Revision

This Professional Ethics and Conduct Policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure its alignment with current legal requirements, professional standards, and best practices in virtual consultation services.

 

9. Compliance and Enforcement

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contractual relationship with Care Home OT.

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