St Joseph Hospital: In Patient Alcohol Treatment

In Patient Alcohol Treatment

As to the second point raised by Pellegrino, occupational therapists do indeed recognize the importance of their training and education. This is emphasized in Principle 4 of the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (2000): "Occupational therapy personnel shall achieve and continually maintain high standards of competence." (AOTA, 2000, in press) The impact of this principle goes beyond just receiving specialized training. Occupational therapists seek to maintain, "competence by participating in professional development and educational activities." This fourth principle also directs occupational therapists to, "protect service recipients," in the discharge of their knowledge and skill, "by ensuring that duties assumed by or assigned to other occupational therapy personnel match credentials, qualifications, experience, and the scope of practice." Through these actions, occupational therapists can truly demonstrate that they do not acquire their knowledge for, "personal gain, prestige, or power. Rather, the profession holds this knowledge in trust for the good of the sick." (Pellegrino, 1991 p. 114)

Finally, occupational therapists also make a public pledge to promote the well being of others through the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (2000). The Preamble to the Code states: "The American Occupational Therapy Association and its members are committed to furthering the ability of individuals, groups and systems to function within their total environment." (AOTA, 2000, in press) Principle 1 of the Code further supports this pledge for the "well-being of the recipients" of occupational therapy. Finally, the dedication of occupational therapists to the well being of those they treat is echoed in the core value of altruism: "the unselfish concern for the welfare of others. This concept is reflected in actions and attitudes of commitment, caring, dedication, responsiveness, and understanding." (AOTA, 1993, p. 1085)