Maintaining Professional Boundaries

Question 1

Veracity

Answer 1

Ethical principle of truthfulness

Question 2

What is the obligation of veracity in work with clients

Answer 2

Comprehensive, accurate, and objective transmission of info
- fostering of client understanding

Question 3

What is relationship between obligations of veracity and respecting autonomy?

Answer 3

If not truthful, conflicts with autonomy
Must be completely truthful, for them to have autonomy

Question 4

Dual/multiple relationships

Answer 4

Relationships with a client that are secondary to professional relationship (or could be multiple professional relationships)

Question 5

What is the risk of a nonprofessional/secondary relationship

Answer 5

Might compromise the judgement of the professional and client’s response to service
“Slippery slope” to other unethical conduct (e.g. breach of confidentiality, sexual relationships)

Question 6

How do multiple professional roles present a conflict

Answer 6

To where professional loyalty lies

Question 7

When does unethical behaviour peak

Answer 7

When personal and professional relationships blend
- boundary violation, crossings

Question 8

What are examples where professional boundaries must be set

Answer 8

1. Practicing in isolated communities (harm of turning away vs harm arising from multiple role expectations)
2. Third parties
3. Teaching and supervision
4. Physical contact (recognition of diversity in norms with respect to touch)
5. Social relationships
6. Sexual relationships

Question 9

What are examples when multiple relationships may be unavoidable

Answer 9

-small, rural communities

Question 10

Two important factors to consider about dual relationships

Answer 10

• the potential for harm to client by engaging in secondary relationship
• potential for harm by not partaking in the additional relationship

Question 11

Some recommendations when looking at multiple relationships

Answer 11

• need for ongoing informed consent
• need for full disclosure and full voluntary consent (consider issues with power)
• awareness of potential favouritism
• establishment and communication of clear boundaries
• consultation with colleagues
• clients best interest is always primary
• ensuring one is not contingent to other

Question 12

Prior to engaging in multiple relationships what should you ask yourself

Answer 12

Is the secondary relationship necessary or should be avoided?
Can it potentially cause harm?
If harm is unlikely, would additional relationship be beneficial?
Could the secondary disrupt the primary?

Question 13

After deciding to engage in multiple relationship what should you ask yourself?

Answer 13

Has decision making process been documented?
Has informed consent been obtained?
Does record show evidence of professional consultation?
Are sources of consultation credible?
Are they understanding and have capacity to support multiple relationship?