Question

For the following testing scenario, identify specific ethical considerations or potential violations committed by Dr. Jefferson as discussed in your textbook and course manual. From an ethical perspective, please consider what Dr. Jefferson has done well and what she could have done differently. If there is a violation of the Canadian Psychological Ethical Guidelines for Psychologists, provide recommendations for a more ethical practice (i.e., what advice would you give to Dr. Jefferson?)

Dr. Jefferson lives and practices psychology in a rural area. She has been a registered psychologist for 5 years (Ph.D. in Child Psychology) and her area of specialization is anxiety disorders and depression. She began to provide psychotherapy to Mr. Giles, a 42-year-old, who was dealing with depression. After three sessions, Mr. Giles suffered a significant head injury while at work. His impairment is noticeable by Dr. Jefferson without any type of testing, although she administers the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, just in case.

Mr. Giles’s co-worker, Cynthia, helped him find an attorney so that his rights are protected, especially since the incident occurred at work. Dr. Jefferson had Mr. Giles sign a release to talk with the attorney as well as Cynthia. From a phone call with the attorney, WSIB (Workers Compensation) wants to work out a settlement, but the attorney has little understanding regarding Mr. Giles’ level of impairment.

Mr. Giles demonstrates a variety of cognitive deficits. He needs assistance and monitoring with daily tasks, such as home care, shopping, transportation, understanding the settlement process, reading his mail, and paying his bills. He will likely need to go into an assisted living facility. His family lives three provinces away and provides minimal help, both emotionally and financially. Mr. Giles doesn't appear to understand his legal rights or the settlement process.

Prior to providing extra-therapy support, Dr. Jefferson had Mr. Giles sign a document explaining her fees for the additional services. She is not sure that he completely understands what is happening or her version of informed consent for the additional services. The psychologist has been doing much of the case management work on her own, such as locating a long-time friend who is willing to help him at home, engaging in lengthy discussions with his primary care physician and neurologist, participating in multiple conversations with the attorney, and trying to find a guardian or power of attorney. Over dinner and beers, she has also spoken at length to her partner, a neuropsychologist, about how best to serve her client.

Answer 1

As a psychologist it is the duty of the Doctor to helo and aid their client to every possible extent they can, Which Dr. Jefferson has successfully executed, but where the additional costs and the consent is taken into consideration, she could have done that differently and at a later time, probably with the guardian she had been looking for for the patient.

This line of reasoning because, the patient, Mr Gill, is clearly cognitively impaired after his accident and would not be able to cognitively comprehend the consent form that Dr. Jefferson conveniently made him sign, which would not have made him well acquainted with either of his rights.

She should have waited till the long time friend was discovered and could have helped out in understanding the reasons for the additional costs and the rights and legalities of the procedures.

Also, due to confidentiality clause in every patient and doctor, Dr. Jefferson should have avoided talking to the partner over dinners and beers as it is unprofessional.