Articles

Ethical dilemmas experienced by occupational therapy students – the reality

N Nortjé, J de Jongh

Abstract


Background. Ethics training strives to facilitate critical thinking, objective analysis and clinical reasoning skills to equip students with the ability
to make an impartial and unbiased decision in different contexts and diverse client populations. This enhances students’ learning experiences.
Occupational therapy (OT) students are expected to work in a variety of contexts. They experience many sources of conflict in their fieldwork practice
on a daily basis, while at the same time upholding professional values, responsibilities and duties.
Objectives. To determine the issues that students face in their fieldwork practice and address these in an ethical manner.
Methods. Qualitative research was done among fourth-year OT students by means of an open-ended questionnaire.
Results. Three major themes relevant to ethical issues were identified: professional-student relationship; professional boundaries; and disclosure
of information and keeping information confidential.
Conclusion. The salient themes identified reflect the primary ethical tensions in the international literature from the UK and Canada, but little evidence
has been reported from South Africa. Taking cognizance of this, those who are involved in the training of healthcare professionals should incorporate the
identified issues in the class discussions. For many students their fieldwork practice may be their first experience with some of the aforementioned issues.
Alluding to these in a safe environment (class situation) and equipping the students with a framework of analysis are very important.


Authors' affiliations

N Nortjé, Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa

J de Jongh, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa

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Keywords

Ethics training; Ethical issues; Occupational therapy; Confidentiality

Cite this article

African Journal of Health Professions Education 2015;7(2):187-189. DOI:10.7196/AJHPE.396

Article History

Date submitted: 2014-02-24
Date published: 2015-11-21

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