Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation

by Nancy Nisbett
(2003-12-04)

Brief Description of Module

Ethics content is integrated throughout the therapeutic recreation curriculum. This module is being created as an isolated unit within the introductory therapeutic recreation class. The intent is to provide a basic level of ethics awareness, including a basic understanding of discipline-specific professional ethics, the ability to recognize ethical dilemmas, and the ability to use a decision-making model to solve ethical dilemmas. The rationale behind this approach is to introduce entry-level students to professional ethics as early as possible to facilitate applied content in succeeding courses.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Articulate an understanding of the meaning of ethics and what it means to be ethical

2. Articulate the purpose of a professional code of ethics

3. Recognize an ethical dilemma

4. Apply the code of ethics, using a decision making model, to solve an ethical dilemma
Content
What students will learn:

• Self-awareness of ethics
• Distinction between professional, organizational and personal ethics
• TR code of ethics
• ‘Dilemma’ components, common TR dilemmas
• Decision-making models

Learning Activities

Resources to be used by learners

• Internet (webquest on ethical theories, other disciplines, TR websites)
• Codes of ethics
• Assigned readings (TBD)
• TR practitioners (identify dilemmas and understand application and difficulties of application of codes)

Resources used to create/deliver unit:

Austin, D. R. (Project Director). (1995). Professional ethics [videotape]. (Available from RTV video, Indiana University, Department of Recreation and Park Administration, Bloomington, IN)

Berglund, C. A. (1998). Ethics for health care. New York: Oxford University Press.

Code of ethics and interpretive guidelines (1994). Ashburn, VA: National Therapeutic Recreation Society.

Finding the path: Ethics in action (1998). Hattiesburg, MS: American Therapeutic Recreation Association.

Kornblau, B. L., & Starling, S. P. (2000). Ethics in rehabilitation: A clinical perspective. Thorofare, NJ: Slack, Incorporated.

Ouimet Perrin, K., & McGhee, J. (2001). Ethics and Conflict. Thorofare, NJ: Slack, Incorporated.
Ethics Websites (TBD)
Assessment and Reflection

• Reflective paper assignment
  • Assessed on ability to answer questions from unit including:
    • Personal definition of ethics and being ethical with justification from discussion and readings
    • Articulate understanding of difference between personal and professional ethics
    • Articulate how the code of ethics serves the profession with justification from readings and interview
    • Identification of code choice with rationale
    • Understanding of future applications and problems
• Practitioner exercise
  • Assessed on ability to verbalize dilemmas discussed and articulate why they are dilemmas
  • Also assessed on practitioner feedback on ability to use model
• Examination
  • Assessed on ability to appropriately use decision-making model