Ethical Patient Care

Ethics In Patient Care

Introduction

Ethics is the foundation to rules, policies and procedures being followed in psychology. An ethical code is a major topic that addresses the issues associated with research practices and has to be taken into consideration during research and treatment. From the initial meeting to the final process of treatment, the ethical code is the guide for the conduct for mental health professionals.

Discuss the APA's Ethical Guidelines For Psychologists

The American Psychological Association (APA) ethics code is structured to protect the clients welfare by stipulating the reasonable steps that should be taken by a practicing psychologist. Mental health professional must follow the dynamics of the ethical code as preventive measures associated with patient deception. A psychologist has the responsibility as mental health professionals to avoid lying to patients for the good of the psychologist. There are major concerns that extenuate from the practices of a psychologist in the hospital and private sectors. The state and federal laws that have been implemented in effect serve the purpose of controlling how psychology is utilized and determines what practices is considered ethical in mental health.

The APA ethics code provide safety measures that protect the clients welfare. There are specific steps within the APA ethics code which stress the steps which should be taken by a psychologist to minimize and avoid harm connected with students, clients, individuals and groups associated with the practice of a psychologist. "...the APA code showed that the process of adopting an ethics code was not only used to consolidate like-minded practitioners and delegitimate the rogues at the fringe of a profession. It was also a process through which psychologists adjudicated evidence claims" (Stark, 2010, p. 367). The code of conduct and the ethical principles is the standard philosophy and responsibilities of a psychologist. The standards establish the behaviors and actions that are sanctioned as acceptable and unacceptable practices for a psychologist. The ethical codes are multidimensional, and psychologist is responsible for adhering to the policies and procedures established by APA ethics code to maintain a mental health professional license.

Three Guidelines Consider Important When Considering Ethical Treatment Of Patients

Competence levels of a psychologist are grouped into six clusters. Science, systems, professionalism, relational, application and education. The science component is related to the biopsychosocial's approach is implemented within