Related Experiment Videos
Continuing competency in ethical decision making: An interpretive description of occupational therapists'
Background.:
Competency in ethical decision making is a criterion for ethical practice, and it is expected to advance with ongoing professional development. However, research exploring continuing competency needs of occupational therapists regarding ethical decision making is limited.
Purpose.:
The purpose of this study was to explore potential gaps and directions for development related to continuing competency in ethical decision making from the perspective of practicing occupational therapists.
Method.:
Interpretive description informed secondary data analysis of professional narratives from a grounded theory study regarding ethical decision making. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 18 occupational therapists. Data analyses focused on identifying gaps and future directions regarding continuing competency.
Findings.:
Two main themes regarding gaps were identified: "I didn't have the knowledge" and "I don't have anybody." Education, tool development, and ethics mentorship were identified directions for development.
Implications.:
Findings advance understanding of continuing competency needs of occupational therapists regarding ethical decision making.