Occupational Therapy Ethical Dilemma: You are an occupational therapist working with a high schooler to begin planning their future after graduation. The teen tells you that she is pregnant and that her parents already know. She does not want anyone else to find out, including teachers in her school. As time goes on, she is missing and failing classes, having trouble focusing, and refusing to participate in certain activities. Her teachers do not know why and are therefore giving her a hard time about it. Due to the stress buildup, she is stagnant in therapy and is in fact regressing. You know that she did not want anyone else to know, but you also know that it takes a full team of support to to help her succeed. What do you do?
von madison borys
1. Core Values
1.1. Definition
1.1.1. Altruism
1.1.2. Freedom
2. Ethical Principles
2.1. Definition:
2.1.1. Beneficence
2.1.1.1. G: Maintain competency, apply to practice area
2.1.2. Autonomy
2.1.2.1. H: Maintain confidentiality
3. Stakeholders
3.1. Pregnant Student
3.2. Teachers
3.3. Occupational Therapist:
4. Possible Courses of Action
4.1. Tell the student's teachers against her will
4.1.1. Loss of trust
4.1.2. Succeed in school
4.1.3. More engagement
4.2. Urge the student to tell her teachers
4.2.1. Student may not listen
4.2.2. Regression in therapy continues
4.2.3. May tell them and succeed
4.2.4. More engagement
4.2.5. Trust will remain in tact
4.3. Do not get involved and hope the student tells them
4.3.1. Student may not tell them
4.3.2. You will not be helping in any way
4.3.3. You will obey her wishes