Ethics
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the values that are related to human behaviour, the rightness or wrongness of actions and the consequences of ones actions. Mental health practice is governed by ethical, judicial, legislative, political and economic influences and decisions. These influences challenge mental health practitioners on a daily basis.
Confidentiality is a patients/clients right. When people seek help from a mental health professional they are asked to share highly personal, possibly embarrassing and potentially damaging information about themselves. Therapeutic interventions rely on the patients/clients willingness to talk openly and honestly about personal concerns, feelings or thoughts. Therefore a breach in confidentiality can lead to a breakdown in the therapeutic relationship and/or ineffective treatment.
Ethical dilemma?
Learning Journal. Are you aware of your ethical and legal responsibilities in your work area? During a confidential interview a patient told you he/she was planning to commit suicide. What do you do?
Ethical issues
Most working days, mental health professionals, confront a variety of ethical and legal issues that arise from providing care to each patient/client on an individual basis. Legal and ethical issues are often interrelated especially in the mental health arena.
We have discussed legal issues in Topic 2.1 therefore this topic will concentrate on ethical issues.
Most health professionals are governed by a code of conduct, code of ethics and professional registry bodies. Each health professional is expected to be familiar with the codes and bodies that govern their practice.
In addition to these specific governing bodies all mental health professionals are expected to practice according to the ‘National Standards for the Mental Health Workforce.’
Confidentiality and duty of care can be complex issues in the mental health arena. Duty of care can flow to families and carers in a non-direct way and can raise ethical dilemmas in regard to confidentiality.
Reading
Meadows G. and Singh B. (2001) Mental health in Australia. Collaborative Community Practice. Oxford University press Sydney Chapters 14 pp 234-236.
These pages discuss confidentiality in special circumstances. Note the role of the family and how any information they give can be used by the treating mental health team
Find out more by exploring the following:
The National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce
This web site gives information on the development of the national practice standard for mental health professionals. You will find the link to the national standards. This is a large document, but you should be able to obtain a hard copy from your work area or library. All mental health professionals should be familiar with this document.Please read the sections on ethics and rights, responsibility safety and privacy.
This is an interesting article that highlights issues such as informed consent and circumstances when confidentiality may be breached. Both these areas are pertinent to your work as a mental health professional.
Learning Journal? Review the entry you made in your journal re the suicidal patient. Have you changed your mind? Have the readings clarified your legal and ethical position in this situation?