Chapter 2: Ethics in Massage Therapy (Mandatory) 2 CE Hours
By: Valerie Wohl Learning outcomes After completing this course, the learner will be able to: Define the concept of power dynamics. Distinguish between transference and countertransference. Describe the nature of the fiduciary role. List four ways a practitioner might work outside his or her scope of practice. Course overview This course addresses a range of issues that should concern a professional massage therapist and introduces a number of concepts important to the ethical practice of massage therapy. Successful completion of the course equips massage therapists with the basic concepts and rationale for ethical decision-making in their practice to help them navigate unknown ethical territory, identify questionable behavior, and identify “red flags” that signal potential conflict, as well as the steps involved in resolving these issues. Equally important, it will help therapists know when to seek professional guidance with a supervisor or mentor professionals perceive and make treatment decisions, ultimately resulting in disparities in health outcomes. These biases, often unconscious and unintentional, can shape behavior and produce differences in medical care along various lines, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and socioeconomic status. Healthcare disparities stemming from implicit bias can manifest in several ways. For example, a healthcare provider might unconsciously give less attention to a patient or make assumptions about their medical needs based on race, gender, or age. The unconscious assumptions can lead to delayed or inadequate care, misdiagnoses, or inappropriate treatments, all of which can adversely impact Implicit bias in healthcare Implicit bias significantly affects how healthcare
Explain the risks of dual or multiple role relationships between practitioner and client. Explain the relationship between patient autonomy and agreements, including the client’s bill of rights, informed consent, and right to refuse treatment. List four strategies that reinforce appropriate boundaries. or turn to other appropriate resources for professional assistance. This course fulfills two credits of mandatory coursework in Ethics, and: ● Explains concepts important to ethical theory and practice in professional massage therapy and bodywork. ● Examines the value and function of ethical codes and professional standards of conduct. ● Emphasizes the delineation of boundaries that define the therapeutic relationship. health outcomes. Addressing implicit bias in healthcare is crucial for achieving equity in medical treatment. Strategies to combat these biases involve education and awareness programs for healthcare professionals. These programs help individuals recognize and acknowledge their biases, fostering a more empathetic and unbiased approach to patient care. Additionally, implementing policies and procedures prioritizing equitable treatment for all patients can play a pivotal role in reducing healthcare disparities. Ultimately, confronting implicit bias in healthcare is essential to creating a more just and equitable healthcare system where everyone receives fair and equal treatment regardless of their background or characteristics.
PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
A Code of Ethics states the ethical responsibilities of the massage and bodywork professional. Standards of Practice further establish the expectations of professional conduct in regard to the law, confidentiality, business practices, roles and boundaries, and prevention of misconduct. This chapter is intended to clarify the meaning of statements and concepts central to the ethical practice of massage therapy. The nature of the practitioner-client relationship is a fiduciary one. This means the client trusts that the practitioner will act in the client’s best interests. The fiduciary obligation is the duty of the practitioner to do so. This concept is central to professional practice and the therapeutic relationship. While the practitioner and client share the same primary concern and objective – the client’s welfare – it is the practitioner, by virtue of his or her professional status, who is ultimately responsible for the client’s safety, security, and well-being. The practitioner bears the burden of accountability because he or she is in a position of authority or power in relation to the client.
Ethics refers to principles of right or good conduct. Professional ethics in massage therapy is the application of guiding principles of right conduct to the study, practice, and business of massage therapy. Unlike personal ethics, which are flexible and open to debate, professional ethical codes are formally defined, mandatory standards of conduct established by and for members of professional associations to ensure quality and integrity in the profession. Because virtually all state licensing authorities, certifying/ accrediting agencies, and professional associations establish their own standards of conduct and ethical guidelines for their members, you will need to refer directly to the organizations and academic or training institutions with which you are affiliated, as well as state, local, and national associations, to review the ethical guidelines that apply specifically to you and your practice. This course is based on standards of ethical behavior embodied in both the AMTA and NCBTMB Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and common to the ethical codes of other agencies regulating massage therapy.
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Book Code: MIL1224
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