The 2020 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (the Code) of the American Occupational
Therapy Association (AOTA) is designed to reflect the dynamic nature of the occupational
therapy profession, the evolving health care environment, and emerging technologies that can
present potential ethical concerns in practice, research, education, and policy. The Code is
therefore crucial and necessary in guiding those in the therapy profession in carrying out their
duties in a clearly defined and effective manner.
This case of Tom and Jake, his patient, touches on various ethical principles and core values,
including, altruism, beneficence and dignity as outlined in the AOTA code of ethics.
1. ALTRUISM: The core value of altruism upholds that the occupational therapy personnel
demonstrates unselfish concern for the welfare of others. In this case, Tom has been
really helpful in the recovery process of Jake and definitely, Jake feels compelled and
would appreciate Tom’s attendance to his graduation party. It would only be right for Tom
to extend gratitude for the invitation. Attending the graduation would even go a long way
in further in enhancing the therapy process as it would show Tom is caring, understanding
and committed to seeing Jake fully recovered and happy. It also means a lot for Jake to
invite Tom to the party and shows that he feels gratitude for all the help Tom has been
giving. It would only be prudent for Tom to accept the invitation. Declining it would
evidently hurt Tom.
2. BENEFICENCE: The principle outlined in the AOTA demonstrates a concern for the
well being and safety of others. Beneficence requires taking action to benefit others—in
other words, to promote good, to prevent harm, and to remove harm (Doherty & Purtilo,
2016). It includes but not limited to all and any actions that intend to benefit others.
Tom’s presence in the graduation would serve to make Jake feel satisfied and would go a
long way in strengthening their professional interactions. In this case, Tom attending the
party would show care, kindness and will also promote good and would benefit Jake.
3. DIGNITY: The core value indicates the importance of valuing, promoting, and preserving
the inherent worth and uniqueness of each person. Jake has definitely worked hard to
achieve the graduation and it will show dignity if Tom appreciated the efforts of his
patient and attend the graduation party.
Following the AOTA Code, the situation really is not that hard to resolve. The right and
professional thing to do considering all factors in the case would be for Tom to accept the
invitation and attend Jake’s graduation party. The two have been working for over a year and
they definitely have a good professional interaction that Jake intends to invite Tom to the party. It
would be inconsiderate for Tom to decline the invitation. Tom should make some time and
appear at the party even if for a while and extend his congratulations to Tom.
References
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). AOTA 2020 occupational therapy code of
ethics. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Suppl. 3),
7413410005. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S3006
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2019).
Enforcement procedures for the AOTA Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics. American
Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73
(Suppl. 2), 7312410003. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2019.73S210
Doherty, R., & Purtilo, R. (2016). Ethical dimensions in the health professions(6th
ed.). Elsevier Saunders.
