1. Description of Dilemma
1.1. Jenna is an occupational therapy student working in a hospital alongside other medical professionals. As Jenna exits a patient’s room, she witnesses a male doctor, John, grasp the breasts of a female nurse, Linda, and slide his hands across her buttocks as he walks past her. Linda is visibly upset and uncomfortable, yet she just walks away and carries on with her shift. What should Jenna do?
2. Stakeholders
2.1. John
2.2. Jenna
2.3. Linda
3. Ethical Principles
3.1. Autonomy
3.1.1. Maintenance of confidentiality in all documents and communications in relation to any applicable laws (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015).
3.1.2. Being respectful of the patient’s wishes, beliefs, and concerns (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015).
3.2. Justice
3.2.1. Inform employers or any other professionals of policies and official documents when necessary (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015).
3.2.2. Report any unethical or illegal acts to authorities (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015).
4. Best Course of Action
5. Core Values
5.1. Altruism
5.1.1. Demonstrating selfless concern for the well-being of others (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015).
5.2. Prudence
5.2.1. The ability to make ethical decisions in professional environments based on their own personal reflection and judgement (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015).
5.3. Dignity
5.3.1. The ability to treat the client or other professionals in the workplace with respect (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015).
5.4. Truth
5.4.1. Recording accurate information, whether it be in writing, by mouth, or electronically (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015).
6. Possible Courses of Action
6.1. Jenna could remain quiet and not speak up about the sexual abuse
6.1.1. Positives
6.1.2. Negatives
6.2. Jenna could speak up on Linda’s behalf and expose John’s behavior
6.2.1. Positives
6.2.2. Negatives