The ethics of professional practice

Client-centred care; this is a model of care with the focus clearly on the client which is based
on trust and respect.The massage therapist must maintain this focus to
provide professional care.This includes;
1. scope of practice
2. meeting educational requirements
3. standards or code of practice
4. working within ethical code ,MNZ code of ethics
To provide a care plan where the needs and expectations of the client
are met in a timely professional manner and referred to other health
professionals if in the best interests of the client.

Informed consent; Authority from the client for the therapist to provide treatment.This is a
legal document and must always be part of the treatment process.It is a
safeguard for therapist and client and should be discussed with the
client prior to them signing.This allows questions and clarification of the
massage treatment by the therapist and signals an ethical and
professional standard.

Scope of practice; The limitations of a therapists practice.This is the level of competency
of practical and theoretical learning of their qualification under which a
therapist can provide treatment.To practice any treatment beyond or
to lead a client into believing you had a higher level of knowledge would
be wrong and unethical.

Confidentiality; This is safeguarding the clients privacy ,safety and protection of client records.It would be unethical to pass on any information regarding a client unless it is to
another health professional and the client has given permission for this to occur.
Client records must be kept in a professional manner.This includes information stored in a
secure area, not left out so others may view them.

Boundaries; These are important so that the client-therapeutic relationship is not compromised. This includes-good time-keeping,

• having a clean and professional appearance
• the massage area ready and tidy and clean
• how a disgruntled or unhappy client is handled
• how appointments are handled
• late or missed appointments, how they are dealt with
• not allowing social/intimate behaviour to occur

Power differentials; An imbalance of power occurs as the client has come with a need which the therapist has the skill and knowledge to assist with.Therefore an impression of authority occurs over the client. The massage therapist must be careful not to be neglectful or mistreat this relationship maintaining good moral and professional ethics.

Relationships: Acquaintance/professional; therapist may work alongside other health professionals.Client confidentiality is important in this setting.

Friendship; when treating a friend it is important to maintain professional standards and limit social chatter .If the client-therapeutic relationship is compromised then it would be wise to refer the friend to another therapist.

Intimate; good ethics and professionalism would stipulate a referral to another health professional if a client-therapeutic relationship has changed in this way.Or a therapist may treat a family member and may be lax in completion of documentation and possible information that may be contra-indications.

Therapeutic; therapist provides a service of care within their skill and knowledge.Beneficence,to help or at least do no harm.

Transference;The client may transfer thoughts and feelings onto the therapist and imagines false meanings into conversations or actions attempting to personalize the relationship.Signs may be invitations to social events,personal gifts, unrealistic expectations of treatment.Ethical considerations at this point may be initially maintaining clear boundaries.Onto regular supervision and consider referral to other therapist.

Counter Transference;The reverse of transference. The therapists boundaries have become confused and the therapeutic relationship has been compromised.This may be identified by the therapists need to fix, remove the pain,to have an answer or love.Warning signs may be an attachment to the client, disproportionate disappointment at cancelled appointment.The ethical cosiderations remain as above for transference.

If we as massage therapists maintain and practice within a code of ethics we safeguard ourselves and our clients .

Salvo,Susan G.(2007). Massage Therapy, Principles and Practice.

Notes from Elluminate lecture Felicity Molloy. 6/7/09