Consultation Implications In Context
You are a consulting psychologist for a local clinic and have been asked to follow up on a consultation you completed four years ago. There are current developments in this case that require further consideration. Please review the PSY699 Week Five discussion case fileLinks to an external site. or detailed information on the current case under review.
In your initial post, explain how the APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct can be used to guide decisions in this ethically complex situation. Provide a suggested course of action for the clinic staff. Given the daughter’s age and the situation presented, integrate concepts developed from different psychological content domains to support your suggested course of action. Be certain to use evidence-based psychological concepts and theories to support your arguments. You may wish to consider the following questions as you construct your post.
Should the staff encourage the daughter to inform her mother that she is sexually active?
Would knowledge regarding her daughter’s sexual activity influence the mother’s stance regarding disclosure?
Should the staff break confidentiality and inform the mother that her daughter is sexually active?
Should the staff encourage the mother to inform the daughter of both her and her daughter’s HIV status?
Does the daughter’s boyfriend have any rights in this situation? If so, what are they?
Based on the daughter’s age, does the mother have a right to not disclose the diagnosis to her daughter?
Does the mother have a right to the privacy regarding her own diagnosis, which could be threatened if her daughter learns of her own status?
Are there other approaches the staff can take? If so, what are they?
Is further information required in order for you to create an ethically sound suggested course of action?
Sample Solution
Using the APA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct as a guide, the suggested course of action in this ethically complex situation is to encourage both the mother and daughter to speak openly about their HIV status with each other. In addition, there should be open communication between the daughter’s boyfriend and all parties involved. The staff should work with both parties to create an environment of trust and understanding so that they can negotiate acceptable outcomes for all individuals.
The daughter's age, 16 years old, must be taken into consideration when discussing whether or not she has a right to know her own diagnosis. The principle of beneficence requires that clinicians protect vulnerable populations from harm, which includes informing adolescents about their health if it is likely to improve their condition or prevent further harm (APA, 2017). Therefore, it would be beneficial for the daughter to have knowledge of her HIV status since it could help her take appropriate precautions against further infection or transmission.
In order for any decisions regarding disclosure to be made responsibly, informed consent must also take place (APA, 2017). Since the daughter is 16 years old she can now provide meaningful informed consent regarding information related to her healthcare; therefore she should participate in decisions around disclosing her HIV status. Knowledgeable professionals who are familiar with issues relating specifically to HIV can assist in providing additional support during these discussions (APA, 2017).
Regarding the mother's decision making process surrounding disclosure of her diagnosis to her daughter; autonomy and respect for persons must also be considered (APA, 2017). Autonomy implies that individuals possess certain rights over themselves and should make decisions based on informed choices (APA., 2017). Respect for persons suggests that clients have a right self-determination as well as privacy protection when making decisions about sharing personal information such as medical diagnoses (APA., 2017). Therefore it is important for clinicians working within this case study address both aspects before determining whether or not full disclosure between mother and daughter will occur at this time. Furthermore they need ensure that any concerns held by either party are addressed prior attempting resolution through communication between them both.
Finally due diligence must take place when assessing what may happen if either party decides not inform their partner(s)of their positive status before engaging in sexual activity; including but not limited too exploring legal repercussions associated with non disclosure depending on state regulations(APA.,2017 ). This factor needs weigh heavily during decision making amongst all parties involved particularly if confidentiality laws permit its release under these circumstances . It may also require referral services being provided towards those affected by potential non disclosure scenarios resulting from various outcome possibilities discussed by those present early on .
In conclusion , using evidence-based psychological concepts from multiple domains provides guidance towards developing an ethical course of action which encourages open dialogue between all parties involved while protecting vulnerable populations from harm . With proper support , education , empathy , collaboration & mutual respect outcomes which benefit everyone involved become more achievable .