IntroductionThe Code of Ethics describes the expected ethical obligations and principles that patients, the profession and the public believe will guide the professional and personal conduct of all medical laboratory technologists (MLTs). These principles can be thought of more as exhibited behaviours than the knowledge and skills listed in a Standards of Practice document. Show
The Code of Ethics, along with the Standards of Practice, defines professionalism in the practice of medical laboratory technology. MLTs adhere not only to the guidelines, but also to the underlying spirit and precepts. A medical laboratory technologist’s fundamental responsibility is to manage the prescribed medical laboratory services for patients in an effort to improve their health. MLTs have professional obligations to work collaboratively with colleagues and other healthcare providers to deliver professional services. Patient safety and protection is paramount at all times. The Code of Ethics will:
The ethical obligations and principles are not listed in order of importance. They should be balanced against each other and considered in relation to all of the obligations and principles described by the Code of Ethics. Over time, it will evolve in response to regulatory, legal, and ethical expectations and will be adopted only after stakeholder consultation. Legislation, regulations, bylaws, Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice and practice guidelines collectively establish a framework for the practice of ethical and safe medical laboratory technology. Ethical ObligationsMedical laboratory technologists demonstrate an application of their ethical obligations through their professional and personal conduct. Obligations to Patients: Medical laboratory technologists put their patient(s)’ interest(s) above their personal interest(s). MLTs carry out their professional duties competently and with integrity. They respect their patients’ individual needs and overall welfare at all times, including the patients’ right to freedom of choice in health care provider, free and enlightened consent, and an expectation of confidentiality of all patient information, in accordance with existing legislation. Obligations to the Public : Medical laboratory technologists are dedicated to serving the public’s health care needs through respectful, accessible, and cooperative interactions with the public and patients, other healthcare providers, and students. MLTs facilitate awareness and understanding of the medical laboratory technology profession. Obligations to the Profession: Medical laboratory technologists contribute to the profession’s development through collaboration, mentorship, self-development, and support of its institutions. MLTs strive for excellence in their professional practice, and professional and personal conduct through life-long learning. Medical laboratory technologists recognize, disclose, and resolve conflicts of interest to safeguard patient care. Obligations to the Regulatory Body: Medical laboratory technologists understand, respect and comply with provincial Acts and regulations, and the Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, bylaws and practice guidelines approved by their regulatory body. Medical laboratory technologists cooperate and maintain harmonious relations with, and promptly reply to all correspondence from the regulatory body at all times. Obligations to Oneself: Medical laboratory technologists are accountable and responsible for their professional and personal conduct. MLTs practice within their scope of professional competence and recognize their professional and personal limitations. Medical laboratory technologists maintain and improve their knowledge, skills, judgement and behaviours to ensure the best possible patient care. Ethical PrinciplesMedical laboratory technologists demonstrate the following ethical principles through the medical laboratory technology services delivered, either alone or in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, and any services rendered under the MLTs’ direction and supervision. Confidentiality / Privacy / Conflict of Interest Medical laboratory technologists shall:
Diversity / Respect / Dignity / Consent Medical laboratory technologists shall:
Safety Medical laboratory technologists shall:
Accountability / Responsibility Medical laboratory technologists shall:
Professionalism / Behaviours / Attitudes / Professional Development Medical laboratory technologists shall:
Collaboration Medical laboratory technologists shall:
SummaryWhile the ethical obligations and principles are presented as discrete sections, medical laboratory technologists recognize that in practice they are implemented as part of daily processes and do not stand alone. MLTs use a combination of their knowledge, skills, judgment and behaviour to adjust to changing circumstances and evolving environments. References College of Medical Laboratory
Technologists of Alberta (CMLTA). (2012). Code of Ethics. Edmonton, Alberta. Author. DefinitionsAccountability: Taking responsibility for decisions and actions, including those undertaken independently or collectively as a member of the health care team, i.e., an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility and the consequences of one’s decisions and actions, and acting in the best interest of the patient/client. CAMLPR: The Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professional Regulators (CAMLPR) is a voluntary alliance of medical laboratory technologist provincial health regulatory authorities. Provincial health regulatory authorities are created and defined by provincial legislation and statute. The purpose of CAMLPR is to clarify a mutual understanding of the criteria for registration in each province in which medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) are regulated with a view to ensuring that all regulated MLTs have the same competencies at the entry to practice level regardless of which province they are first registered in or where they were trained, and that the public is, therefore, adequately protected. Client / Patient: An individual, family and/or substitute decision-maker, patient, group, agency, employer, colleague, other healthcare practitioner, or stakeholder who is a recipient of an MLT’s professional and health services. Client / Patient-centered: An approach which recognizes the MLT’s expertise and values the respect for and partnership with individuals receiving an MLT’s professional and health services. A collaborative approach whereby the client’s own experiences and knowledge are central and carry authority within the client-professional relationship. Code of Ethics: A document which reflects a set of guiding principles and values on the collective moral standpoint of a profession on which its practitioners rely. Collaboration: Working cooperatively with members of the health care team to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient/client. Competence: The collection of knowledge, skills, judgements, and behaviours required by an MLT during their professional career. Competency is the extent to which an MLT successfully translates their knowledge, skills, judgements, and behaviours into professional services resulting in safe, effective and ethical client / patient outcomes. Consent: a person’s right to accept or refuse treatment, assuming that they have mental capacity to do so. Consent is further defined in legislation in all Canadian provinces. Continuing Competence: An ability to effectively apply current knowledge, skills and attitudes in professional practice, resulting from professional development processes undertaken by an MLT. Indicator: Guidelines which illustrate how each Standard of Practice may be applied, and assist in determining if a specific Standard of Practice has been achieved. Medical Laboratory Technologist: A regulated health care professional, with a defined Scope of Practice and protected professional title, as prescribed by provincial legislation. Professional Development: The acquisition of new knowledge and skills by all types of facilitated learning for the purpose of professional development. Professional Misconduct: Professional behaviour or actions that contravene, among others, the standards of professional practice. Professional Practice: The practice of medical laboratory technology in accordance with professional, legal and ethical standards. Public: Anyone who an MLT interacts with, but does not provide care to, including private citizens and other healthcare providers. Quality Control: A single or set of laboratory procedures intended to ensure that the performed laboratory service adheres to a defined set of quality criteria. Quality Management: A manner of providing laboratory services that inherently includes the ongoing evaluation of services provided and the results achieved as compared with accepted standards. Regulatory Body: A provincial organization with the authority to regulate a health profession or group of health professions as created and defined by provincial legislation and statute with the sole purpose of public protection. Scope of Practice: A profession’s Scope of Practice encompasses the activities its practitioners are educated and authorized to perform. The overall Scope of Practice for the profession sets the outer limits of practice for all practitioners. The actual Scope of Practice of individual practitioners is influenced by the settings in which they practice, institutional requirements,and the needs of their clients / patients. Standards of Practice: An expectation reflecting a general agreement on competent practice by the members of a recognized professional organization which have been adopted by provincial health regulatory Colleges, and define the levels of performance against which actual professional practice can be compared. Which is the most important professional goal for health care workers when interacting with patients?Which is the most appropriate professional goal for health care workers when interacting with patients? Give care without making any errors.
Which is the best definition of professionalism as it applies to the health care professional group of answer choices?The report agreed that professionalism in healthcare can be defined as: “A set of values, behaviours, and relationships that underpins the trust the public has in doctors.”
What action improves communication in the healthcare workplace?Learning and professional development are key to improving overall communication skills. Schedule regular monthly meetings with your staff to discuss patient survey feedback and areas of strength and weakness.
What is the first thing the health care professional should do when experiencing dissatisfaction with the job?Medical charting should be done in pencil because mistakes can be more easily and neatly corrected. What is the first thing the health care worker should do when experiencing dissatisfaction with the job? A. Write a polite letter of resignation to the supervisor.
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