Factors affecting ethical behavior in pediatric occupational therapy: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Bioethics
• Healthcare Professionalism

Background:

• Ethical and professional conduct is paramount for occupational therapists.
• Limited research exists on factors influencing occupational therapists' ethical behavior.
• No prior studies in Iran focused on ethical behavior in pediatric occupational therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing the ethical behavior of pediatric occupational therapists in Iran.
• To address the gap in understanding the nuances of ethical decision-making in this specific population.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative content analysis of interviews with 12 pediatric occupational therapists.
• Purposeful sampling until data saturation was achieved.
• Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed rigorously.

Main Results:

• Four primary categories of factors emerged: organizational, therapist-related, client's family issues, and social factors.
• These factors collectively shape the ethical landscape for pediatric occupational therapists.
• Specific examples within each category provide detailed insights.

Conclusions:

• The study identified critical factors impacting ethical behavior in pediatric occupational therapy.
• Findings can inform training programs for therapists, HR managers, and policymakers.
• Results provide a foundation for future research and the development of ethical practice tools.