Experiences of ethical dilemmas in rehabilitation: Swedish occupational therapists' perspectives.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe Swedish occupational therapists' experiences of encountering ethical dilemmas in rehabilitation and strategies they used to handle the situations. Twelve occupational therapists who work with adults with developmental disabilities were interviewed using a semi-structured interview design. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The results showed that ethical dilemmas were common in the occupational therapists' daily work within rehabilitation. Many situations that created ethical dilemmas were related to occupational therapists who worked with clients and their relatives, and other healthcare providers. The results showed further that occupational therapists found it difficult to make decisions and to optimize clients' participation in decision-making, to set limits and act professionally, and to best handle the situation for the client and avoid ethical dilemmas. This study indicates the importance of illustrating experiences of ethical dilemmas within occupational therapy praxis and the meaning of discussing ethical dilemmas with different healthcare providers to reach a divided view of the client in order to develop successful and healthy strategies that will optimize the rehabilitation of clients with developmental disabilities.

• Authors: Ann-Charlotte Kassberg, Lisa Skär
• Journal: Scandinavian journal of occupational therapy (Scand J Occup Ther) Vol. 15 Issue 4 Pg. 204-11 (Dec 2008) ISSN: 1103-8128 [Print] England
• PMID: 18609243 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Child
• Developmental Disabilities (rehabilitation)
• Humans
• Interviews as Topic
• Occupational Therapy (ethics)
• Patient Rights (ethics)
• Professional Autonomy
• Professional-Patient Relations (ethics)
• Sweden