We each have our own personal values, beliefs, and standards of behavior. Often, these pieces of our own ethical code are things we don’t think about consciously. Here is your chance to try to articulate your own code of ethics. What are the values that you live by? How would you put those into words? What are the virtues that you strive to show in your behavior? How do you treat others? What principles of fairness do you apply in your life? Come up with a list of 10 basic values, beliefs, or behavioral mandates that make up your personal ethical code. Here are some examples: I am true to my own feelings and beliefs, no matter what other people think. I believe in being honest, but if being honest means insulting someone, I stay quiet. I respect my elders and try to empathize with them at all times. I try to do my best every day in whatever I do: studying, sports, helping around the house. These are merely examples, so please put your ethics into your own words and come up with a full list of 10. This is a chance to explore what you believe, what makes you behave the way you do, and how you try to be your best self, even if it is hard to be perfect at fulfilling your ideal ethics. Part 2 Now find a published scope of practice for an allied health profession. Cut and paste these into a table next to your own personal ethics. Compare the professional ethics to your personal ethics. How are they similar? How are they different? Think about how the professional ethics will work within the scope of practice you have chosen. How would these ethics help you make decisions in the workplace? What about the personal ethics? Would they work within the workplace? What problems might arise? How might personal ethics support (or not) the decision-making process in a professional setting? Write your thoughts down in an organized essay with a beginning, middle, and end. Your essay should be one- to three-pages long. Use your critical thinking skills to imagine how you could use ethics within the scope of practice that you have chosen.

Answer 1

Personal Ethics and Professional Codes: A Reflective Analysis

Introduction

Ethics play a crucial role in guiding human behavior. Each individual possesses a unique ethical code molded by personal values, beliefs, and life experiences. Similarly, professionals in allied health fields adhere to established codes of ethics intended to maintain integrity, empathy, and respect in their practice. This essay reflects on my personal ethical code, compares it with the ethical standards of an allied health profession, and discusses how these principles coalesce or diverge in a workplace environment.

Personal Ethical Code

1. Honesty: I believe in being truthful in all situations, recognizing that honesty is the foundation of trust in relationships.
2. Empathy: I strive to understand others' feelings and perspectives, fostering compassion in my interactions.
3. Respect for Diversity: I honor the differences among individuals, whether they are cultural, social, or personal, and celebrate the uniqueness that each person brings.
4. Commitment to Excellence: I endeavor to do my best in every task, whether it be academic, professional, or personal, and continuously seek self-improvement.
5. Integrity: I uphold my principles even when faced with challenges or temptations that may sway my judgment.
6. Confidentiality: I recognize the importance of privacy and confidentiality, maintaining discretion in all sensitive matters.
7. Open-Mindedness: I remain open to new ideas and perspectives, acknowledging that growth often arises from understanding differing viewpoints.
8. Accountability: I take responsibility for my actions and decisions, admitting mistakes and learning from them.
9. Supportiveness: I aim to support and uplift others in their endeavors, offering help and encouragement when needed.
10. Fairness: I strive to treat everyone equitably, ensuring that my judgments and decisions are guided by impartiality and justice.

Professional Ethics in Allied Health

For this analysis, I have chosen the ethical code of the American Medical Association (AMA), which outlines key principles for medical professionals. Below are the core values from the AMA Code of Medical Ethics that relate to my personal ethics:

| Personal Ethics | AMA Medical Ethics | |-------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Honesty | Honesty and integrity in all interactions | | Empathy | Respect for patient autonomy and dignity | | Respect for Diversity | Commitment to equity in healthcare delivery | | Commitment to Excellence | Provision of competent and compassionate care | | Integrity | Uphold professional responsibilities and values | | Confidentiality | Protect patient privacy and confidentiality | | Open-Mindedness | Willingness to consider new approaches to care | | Accountability | Accepting responsibility for one’s actions | | Supportiveness | Advocacy for patients’ best interests | | Fairness | Fair treatment of all patients |

Comparative Analysis

Similarities

My personal ethics strongly align with the AMA’s ethical guidelines. The emphasis on honesty, empathy, confidentiality, accountability, and fairness serves as a common thread linking both ethical frameworks. They promote integrity, encouraging practitioners to uphold their commitments while respecting the dignity and rights of patients. Supportiveness also parallels the advocacy role that healthcare professionals must take to ensure patients receive optimal care.

Differences

While the personal ethical code emphasizes respect for diversity and open-mindedness in interpersonal interactions, the professional ethics focus more heavily on patient rights, autonomy, and the regulatory aspects of medical practice. In a personal context, values might accommodate subjective feelings or opinions, while professional ethics are about adhering to a standardized set of practices that prioritize patient welfare over personal beliefs.

Application in the Workplace

In the allied health profession, the established ethical code serves as a guide to navigate complex scenarios involving patient care, confidentiality, and professional responsibilities. The principles outlined in the AMA's code would support decision-making, providing a moral framework for addressing ethical dilemmas. Personal ethics would significantly bolster this decision-making process by grounding clinical practice in empathy, honest communication, and a genuine commitment to patient welfare.

However, potential conflicts may arise when personal values challenge professional obligations. For example, an empathetic desire to accommodate a patient’s needs may clash with established protocols that prioritize safety or regulatory compliance. It is crucial to reconcile these tensions by seeking guidance from both personal and professional ethics, ensuring that patient care remains the primary focus.

Conclusion

Ethics, both personal and professional, form the bedrock of responsible behavior in any context. My personal ethical code reflects the fundamental values that I strive to uphold in my daily interactions, while the AMA’s professional ethics provide a rigorous framework for allied health practitioners. Ultimately, understanding and integrating these ethical principles can enhance the quality of care provided to patients, ensuring that they are treated with the compassion, respect, and integrity they deserve. This alignment fosters a holistic approach to healthcare that embraces both the human experience and the professional dedication required in allied health.