What is Ethics?
Ethics involves consideration of value systems and morals in deciding what is right and what is wrong. Sometimes it is hard to know what “the right thing” is when competing values exist. When figuring out what to do in difficult situations, it is important to be aware of your own values as well as the values of other stakeholders such as the client, the clinic, or the profession. We all carry biases and assumptions that influence how we make decisions.
Ethical dilemma result when conflict exists between ethical principles. Common themes that create ethical dilemma include thoughts around respecting autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, health equity, and fairness.
Not all conflicts represent ethical dilemmas. Sometimes, issues can be resolved by following governing policies and procedures, even if we don’t necessarily agree with them. For example, what should a therapist do if the daughter of an older gentleman under treatment calls the clinic to see if her father is still there? This might seem like an ethical dilemma, but PHIA principles guard against giving out
Code of Ethics
This Code of Ethics (the “Code”) sets out the ethical principles governing the conduct of members of the physiotherapy profession in Manitoba. It is a moral anchor that assures clients, the public, and other health care providers that members of the profession strive for the highest standards of ethical conduct. The Code must reflect the societal ethics of the time, as well as the value systems and moral principles of the physiotherapy profession in Manitoba. The Code applies to members of the physiotherapy profession in all contexts of practice and through all stages of their careers. It must always be used in conjunction with relevant legislation.
