Ethical Issues In Occupational Therapy Essay

Introduction: In the growing field of occupational therapy, there are many issues that come about that are of ethical concern. Occupational therapists work to help patients achieve a self-sufficient and satisfying life through the use of assessment and treatment. They help patients who may be suffering from a physical, mental, or cognitive disorder and work to help develop, recover, and maintain skills of daily living. Since this field is very hands on and patient oriented, there are ethical concerns that are brought about in almost all areas of practice. One of the most concerning ethical issues is working on a skill that is outside the OT scope of practice. In other words, addressing and treating a skill that is deemed to be outside

First, the theory of ethical egoism. According to this theory, “actions are morally right because they maximize self-interest” (Farias, 2012, slide 6). When occupational therapists agree to perform duties or work on skills that are outside of the OT scope of services, they are working to promote their own self-interests and well-being. It feels good to help others and when we believe that we are going above and beyond to keep our clients happy, we are doing what is in our best interests. Since ethical egoism states that “it is individualistic, and the right thing to do is maximize one’s own utility,” then this dilemma holds true (Burgess-Jackson, 2013, p. 532). Occupational therapists help not only for the good of the patient, but also for the well-being of themselves. It makes them look and feel good when they see that they are helping patients meet their goals and they will do whatever they can to ensure that that happens. They are doing all that they can to help, even when it is outside of their own competence, for their own personal gain. By doing this, it makes them feel that they are capable of anything. With this perspective on this issue, the theory of ethical egoism is