Code de déontologie

Code de déontologie de la SCSLM

La Société canadienne de science de laboratoire médical (SCSLM) a élaboré un Code de déontologie en consultation avec ses membres. L’objectif du Code est de définir et de développer les concepts d’éthique intrinsèques contenus dans le Code de conduite professionnelle de la SCSLM, de documenter les attentes à l’égard du comportement éthique de tous les professionnels de laboratoire médical (PLM), et de fournir un cadre lors des évaluations professionnelles et des autoévaluations.

Les principes éthiques contenus dans le présent document ne sont pas présentés en ordre d’importance, mais en relation les uns aux autres lorsqu’ils sont appliqués aux situations de dilemmes éthiques.

Les PLM exerceront leur profession conformément aux règlements provinciaux et fédéraux en vigueur pour assurer la protection et l’intégrité des patients et de leurs échantillons, des collègues, des fournisseurs de soins de santé, de la société, de l’environnement et de soi-même. Dans le cadre de cette pratique, fondamentalement, ils se comporteront de façon consciencieuse, compatissante, honnête et équitable.

Les PLM perpétueront la vision du Code de déontologie de la SCSLM en respectant les principes de conduite éthique suivants, ainsi que les concepts sous-jacents.

Pratiques sécuritaires

1.1   Exercer seulement les disciplines de la profession de laboratoire médical pour lesquels on a reçu la certification de la SCSLM.

1.2   Exécuter uniquement les procédures pour lesquelles la qualification a été reçue ou déléguée officiellement par une autorité institutionnelle appropriée, dont le membre a acquis les connaissances courantes, les habiletés et le jugement nécessaires pour assurer et démontrer sa compétence.

1.3   Reconnaître les situations risquées afin de minimiser les effets nuisibles sur les patients, le personnel et soi-même.

1.4   Utiliser les mécanismes professionnels et institutionnels pour intervenir lors de l’observation de pratiques non sécuritaires, incompétentes ou contraires à l’éthique.

1.5   Assumer la responsabilité des erreurs commises ou observées et prendre des mesures immédiates afin d’éviter ou de minimiser les effets nuisibles y associés.

1.6   Promouvoir les milieux de travail qui favorisent des pratiques sécuritaires, compétentes et éthiques.

Confidentialité

2.1 Comprendre et se conformer aux lois sur la vie privée et aux politiques de confidentialité pertinentes en ce qui concerne la collecte, l’utilisation et la divulgation de renseignements confidentiels.

2.2 Préserver et protéger la confidentialité de toute information, que ce soit médicale ou personnelle, acquise par le biais de relations professionnelles (en personne, lors de conversations avec des collègues, accès aux dossiers médicaux, etc.) afin de protéger les patients.

2.3 S’abstenir d’utiliser des renseignements confidentiels au détriment d’un patient, ou avec l’intention directe ou indirecte d’en profiter personnellement ou au profit d’une autre personne.

2.4 Accéder aux renseignements uniquement pertinents à la tâche professionnelle à exécuter.

2.5 Communiquer et divulguer des renseignements exclusivement avec l’autorisation écrite ou formelle, ou dans le cas où la loi l’ordonne ou l’autorise expressément.

2.6 Reconnaître et divulguer les conflits d’intérêts et les résoudre d’une façon qui préserve l’intégrité des renseignements personnels sur la santé et qui défend les meilleurs intérêts des soins aux patients.

Perfectionnement professionnel

3.1 Réfléchir à ses aptitudes professionnelles et accroître ses connaissances, habiletés, jugements et attitudes par l’entremise de la formation continue.

3.2 Contribuer au développement de la profession en partageant ses connaissances et expériences.

3.3 Participer aux processus interprofessionnels collaboratifs et pédagogiques, ainsi qu’au développement de partenariats qui contribuent à atteindre des résultats positifs pour les patients.

3.4 Contribuer à la progression de la profession en :

  • accroissant l’ensemble de connaissances;
  • adoptant des progrès scientifiques bénéfiques aux patients;
  • maintenant des normes élevées de pratique et de formation.

Responsabilisation

4.1 En premier lieu, être responsable envers les patients, puis la société et l’environnement, pour assurer l’exercice sécuritaire et légitime ainsi que la durabilité des ressources.

4.2 Défendre ses intérêts à titre de leader de la promotion de la santé et de la prestation de soins de qualité.

4.3 Être responsable de la qualité, de l’intégrité et de la fiabilité des services de laboratoire fournis.

4.4 S’assurer que les processus de consentement organisationnels sont respectés, y compris :

  • le droit des patients d’être informés;
  • le droit des patients de refuser ou de se retirer des procédures.

Comportement et attitude

5.1   Offrir ses services avec dignité et respect envers tous, sans distinction de race, de religion, d’orientation sexuelle, de sexed’identité de genre, d’âge, d’état de santé, ou d’incapacité mentale ou physique.

5.2   Prioriser ses fonctions pour assurer que chaque patient reçoit des soins optimaux.

5.3   Encourager la confiance du public par l’entremise de normes élevées de compétence professionnelle et de conduite.

5.4   Être suffisamment accessible dans les limites de ses fonctions.

5.5   Collaborer avec les patients, collègues et autres fournisseurs de soins de santé pour assurer des soins efficaces aux patients.

Pied de page

La SCSLM reconnaît gracieusement l’utilisation des codes de déontologie provenant de nos partenaires organisationnels, y compris : Newfoundland and Labrador College for Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta, Saskatchewan Association of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technicians, Ordre professionnel des technologistes médicaux du Québec, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, The Danish Association of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists et l’Association canadienne des technologues en radiation médicale. La SCSLM a examiné tous les codes de déontologie des associations provinciales de laboratoire médical; par conséquent, des similitudes entre ces codes peuvent être identifiées.

La SCSLM s’engage à réviser le présent Code de déontologie deux fois par année afin d’assurer sa pertinence pour une profession et une association en évolution constante.

Approuvé par le Conseil d’administration de la SCSLM (septembre 2015 – réaffirmé en avril 2023).

Cours :

Songez au cours « The Science of Morals: Understanding the CSMLS Code of Ethics » pour renforcer votre compréhension du Code et pour apprendre comment appliquer ces principes aux situations réelles. 

Des heures PEP seront accordées à l’achèvement de ce cours.

Discutez :

Avez-vous une opinion sur la résolution d’un dilemme éthique? Comment vous occupez-vous des zones d’incertitude? Discutez-en avec des membres et appuyez votre profession.

Principes de base :

Pour aider à élaborer le Code de déontologie, le groupe de travail en matière d’éthique s’est entendu sur les principes suivants pour délimiter et cibler les objectifs de ce document. Le Code de déontologie et ses documents supplémentaires devront :

  1. Offrir des conseils aux professionnels de laboratoire médical (PLM) quant aux attentes de la SCSLM en ce qui a trait au comportement de ses membres au sein de la profession. Ces conseils devront être présentés dans un langage permettant des modifications ultérieures à la pratique, à la loi et à la société.
  2. S’appliquer à tous les membres (par ex., pratique directe, gestion, formation, recherche, rôles liés à l’industrie).
  3. Être compatibles avec les valeurs de la SCSLM et les opinions des membres, et fondés sur les quatre principes de la bioéthique.
  4. Reposer sur le Code de conduite professionnelle de la SCSLM.
  5. Se conformer au contenu des PLM canadiens, des PLM internationaux et des non-PLM canadiens, suivant cet ordre de priorité.
  6. Adopter une approche holistique et ne pas être exécutés indépendamment (c.-à-d., inclure des conseils et des exemples et servir de plate-forme pour entamer la discussion).

Cours :

Songez au cours « The Science of Morals: Understanding the CSMLS Code of Ethics » pour renforcer votre compréhension du Code et pour apprendre comment appliquer ces principes aux situations réelles. 

Des heures PEP seront accordées à l’achèvement de ce cours.

Discutez :

Avez-vous une opinion sur la résolution d’un dilemme éthique? Comment vous occupez-vous des zones d’incertitude? Discutez-en avec des membres et appuyez votre profession.

Feuillet d’information

Un code de déontologie est un ensemble complexe d’idées et de limites qui s’expriment en collaboration avec d’autres considérations. Les faits suivants solidifient l’objectif du Code de déontologie et son application.

  • Le Code de déontologie contient les normes facultatives minimales régissant la conduite éthique de chaque membre de la SCSLM. Il n’est pas une liste exhaustive de codes.
  • Le Code de déontologie dépend de la compréhension des membres et de la conformité renforcée par des professionnels de la santé et le public. Ceux qui ne réussissent pas à se conformer peuvent être sujets aux instances disciplinaires en vertu des règlements administratifs d’un ordre professionnel.
  • Le Code de déontologie doit être lu et appliqué à la lumière des renseignements supplémentaires et des définitions contenues dans ce document. Des conseils et des études de cas sont fournis en vue d’aider à comprendre et à appliquer les codes de déontologie. Toutefois, il peut s’avérer nécessaire d’obtenir des conseils supplémentaires pour des situations spécifiques.
  • Le Code de déontologie devrait être pris en considération conjointement avec le Code de conduite professionnelle, les normes de pratique professionnelle et d’autres politiques pertinentes aux niveaux local, provincial, territorial et national.
    • Si une personne est tenue de rendre compte à plusieurs politiques de nature identique, elle doit adopter le document dont les exigences pour répondre à une situation particulière sont les plus rigoureuses.
  • Chaque code de déontologie doit être envisagé et appliqué en conjonction avec d’autres codes. Étant donné la nature complexe des dilemmes éthiques, on devrait se référer aux codes de façon relative au lieu d’individuellement.
  • La SCSLM recommande la formation continue en matière d’éthique pour permettre aux professionnels de laboratoire médical d’acquérir les connaissances, les compétences, le jugement et les attitudes nécessaires pour gérer ou protéger contre les dilemmes éthiques en milieu de travail. Il est également recommandé de chercher des conseils supplémentaires auprès des professionnels de la santé, des organismes de réglementation, des spécialistes en éthique ou d’autres personnes ayant l’expertise pertinente.

Cours :

Songez au cours « The Science of Morals: Understanding the CSMLS Code of Ethics » pour renforcer votre compréhension du Code et pour apprendre comment appliquer ces principes aux situations réelles. 

Des heures PEP seront accordées à l’achèvement de ce cours.

Discutez :

Avez-vous une opinion sur la résolution d’un dilemme éthique? Comment vous occupez-vous des zones d’incertitude? Discutez-en avec des membres et appuyez votre profession.

Ethics on Demand

Ethical dilemmas occur every day in the health care setting, whether we are involved ourselves or see issues happening to others. As health professionals, we need to be aware of these situations, identify ways to prevent and/or deescalate these and uphold the ethical principles that we serve.

The CSMLS Code of Ethics serves to define and expand the inherent ethical concepts contained in the CSMLS Code of Professional Conduct, document expectations of ethical behaviour for all medical laboratory professionals and provide a framework during professional and personal self-evaluation. Consider how adhering to these codes could have prevented the situations you will see presented in Ethics on Demand.

Ethics on Demand provides recent and relevant examples of ethical dilemmas that our profession can encounter. Download the articles and start the discussion in your lab.

Vaccines for Healthcare Workers

A lab worker in San Diego became infected with a smallpox-related virus (vaccinia) after she accidentally stuck her finger with a needle.

Q

Vaccines for Healthcare Workers

Article

1.   Lab Tech Accidentally Injects Herself with Smallpox-Related Virus

What was the situation?

A lab worker in San Diego became infected with a smallpox-related virus (vaccinia) after she accidentally stuck her finger with a needle. The infection caused the tip of the woman’s finger to swell and turn black, taking three months to heal. Although the lab worker was offered the smallpox vaccine before the incident, she declined the vaccination as she « did not appreciate the extent of infection that could occur » and she believed that the potentialside effects of the vaccine would be challenging to manage.

 

What went wrong?

Lack of advocating one’s role as a leader in the promotion of health Lack of understanding in risk-prone situation Ineffective health and safety communication to staff

 

Using the Code of Ethics

The CSMLS Code of Ethics serves to define and expand the inherent ethical concepts contained in the CSMLS Code of Professional Conduct, to document expectations of ethical behaviour for all medical laboratory professionals, and to provide a framework during professional and personal self-evaluation. Consider how adhering to these codes could have prevented the situation. What other codes are applicable?

Code of Ethics

  • 1.3 Recognize risk prone situations in order to minimize harm to patients, staff and self.
  • 1.5 Assume responsibility for errors one has committed or observed and take immediate action to prevent or minimize associated harm.
  • 1.6 Advocate for working environments that support safe, competent and ethical practices.

Code of Professional Conduct

  • Medical laboratory professionals shall practise safe work procedures at all times to ensure the safety of patients and co-workers and the protection of the environment.
  • Medical laboratory professionals shall endeavour to maintain and improve their skills and knowledge and keep current with scientific advances. They will uphold academic integrity in all matters of professional certification and continuing education.
  • Medical laboratory professionals shall share their knowledge with colleagues and promote learning.

 

Relevant Articles

Mandatory vaccines to continue in Italy after measles outbreaks

Are Your Healthcare Workers Armed With the Right Vaccinations?

Human error in high-biocontainment labs: a likely pandemic threat

Take the free CSMLS Code of Ethics course today!

Freedom of Expression

A Saskatchewan nurse is arguing that a fine of $26,000 she received from the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association was unfair.

Q

Freedom of Expression

Article

1.   Freedom of expression vs. professionalism at heart of the $26K battle between nurse and SRNA

What was the situation?

A Saskatchewan nurse is arguing that a fine of $26,000 she received from the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association was unfair. The fine was in reaction to a Facebook post she made which criticized the quality of care a family member received while at a health centre in Macklin, SK.

 

What went wrong?

Not maintaining standards of professional conduct Lack of professional responsibility
Lack of integrity
Not taking responsibility for professional acts

 

Using the Code of Ethics

The CSMLS Code of Ethics serves to define and expand the inherent ethical concepts contained in the CSMLS Code of Professional Conduct, to document expectations of ethical behaviour for all medical laboratory professionals, and to provide a framework during professional and personal self-evaluation. Consider how adhering to these codes could have prevented the situation. What other codes are applicable?

Code of Ethics

  • 1.4 Utilize professional and institutional mechanisms to intervene when witness to unsafe, incompetent or unethical practices.
  • 4.1 Be responsible first to the patient, then to society and the environment for safe and lawful practice and the sustainable use of resources.
  • 5.3 Encourage the trust and confidence of the public through high standards of professional competence, conduct and deportment.

Code of Professional Conduct

  • Medical laboratory professionals shall be aware of the laws and regulations governing medical laboratory technology and shall apply them in the practise of their profession.
  • Medical laboratory professionals shall protect the confidentiality of all patient information.

 

Relevant Articles

Protecting confidentiality in the health care setting: The menace of social media

Freedom of expression or personal attack? Nurse appeals fine for Facebook post

Freedom of Speech + Professional Discipline: Striking The Balance

Take the free CSMLS Code of Ethics course today!

Illegal Injections

A woman is facing federal charges after she was found performing illegal buttock and facial injections for many years out of her home.

Q

Illegal Injections

Article

1.   North Andover woman facing federal charges on allegations she provided illegal butt injections for years, endangering clients

What was the situation?

A woman is facing federal charges after she was found performing illegal buttock and facial injections for many years out of her home.Two Boston-area witnesses reported that the woman told them they were being injected with was hyaluronic acid, a legal substance often used as a lip or wrinkle filler. A lab determined the liquid seized from the accused’s home was silicone oil, which is not FDA approved for any body enhancements.

 

What went wrong?

Lack of safety standards and respect for patients Practicing illegally Lack of knowledge,could cause serious harm

 

Using the Code of Ethics

The CSMLS Code of Ethics serves to define and expand the inherent ethical concepts contained in the CSMLS Code of Professional Conduct, to document expectations of ethical behaviour for all medical laboratory professionals, and to provide a framework during professional and personal self-evaluation. Consider how adhering to these codes could have prevented the situation. What other codes are applicable?

Code of Ethics

  • 1.1 Practise only those disciplines within the medical laboratory profession for which CSMLS certification has been achieved.
  • 1.2 Practise only those procedures for which qualification has been achieved or officially delegated by an appropriate institutional authority, where the member has the current requisite knowledge, skills and judgment to ensure and demonstrate competence.
  • 1.3 Recognize risk prone situations in order to minimize harm to patients, staff and self.

Code of Professional Conduct

  • Medical laboratory professionals shall practise within the scope of their professional competence.
  • Medical laboratory professionals shall be aware of the laws and regulations governing medical laboratory technology and shall apply them in the practise of their profession.

 

Relevant Articles

Selma hospital, doctors to pay $1.5M to settle whistleblower lawsuit

Horizon Health, nurse deny wrongdoing in alleged misuse of labour-inducing drug

Ontario may let pharmacists prescribe treatments for minor issues like pink eye

Take the free CSMLS Code of Ethics course today!

Verbal Abuse

An auxiliary nurse was conversing with a patient when the topic went down a negative path.

Q

Verbal Abuse

Article

1.   $9,500 awarded to Montreal-area hospital worker abused by patient

What was the situation?

An auxiliary nurse was conversing with a patient when the topic went down a negative path. The patient told the nurse to go away, to go back to where he came from and made insulting remarks based on ethnic origin. A hospital administrator overheard the incident and proceeded to intervene on behalf of the nurse. The patient refused to apologize for his actions and insisted that an individual of non-Arab decent provide his care. The hospital administrator refused this patient’s demands.During a hearing before the tribunal, the patient tried to justify his conduct by saying he was under the effects of morphine.

 

What went wrong?

Verbal abuse Lack of cultural sensitivity Lack of organizational policies and procedures

 

Using the Code of Ethics

The CSMLS Code of Ethics serves to define and expand the inherent ethical concepts contained in the CSMLS Code of Professional Conduct, to document expectations of ethical behaviour for all medical laboratory professionals, and to provide a framework during professional and personal self-evaluation. Consider how adhering to these codes could have prevented the situation. What other codes are applicable?

Code of Ethics

  • 4.4 Ensure organizational consent processes are followed, including:
    • Patients have the right to be informed
    • Patients have the right to refuse or withdraw from procedures
  • 5.1 Provide service with dignity and respect to all, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, age, health status, or mental or physical disability.
  • 5.3 Encourage the trust and confidence of the public through high standards of professional competence, conduct and deportment.

Code of Professional Conduct

  • Medical laboratory professionals work with other health care professionals, to provide effective patient care.
  • Medical laboratory professionals are dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of the public. The welfare of the patient and respect for the dignity of the individual shall be paramount at all times.

 

Relevant Articles

Health Dept employees accuse manager of abuse, racism

Facing Escalating Workplace Violence, Hospital Employees Have Had Enough

‘A knife was pulled on me for refusing a prescription’

Take the free CSMLS Code of Ethics course today!

Cours :

Songez au cours « The Science of Morals: Understanding the CSMLS Code of Ethics » pour renforcer votre compréhension du Code et pour apprendre comment appliquer ces principes aux situations réelles. 

Des heures PEP seront accordées à l’achèvement de ce cours.

Discutez :

Avez-vous une opinion sur la résolution d’un dilemme éthique? Comment vous occupez-vous des zones d’incertitude? Discutez-en avec des membres et appuyez votre profession.

Ethics on Demand Card Game

At CSMLS, we want to support open and honest communication about ethical issues our members may encounter in the clinical environment. To do this, we have created an ethical dilemma card game for everyone to play.

The Ethics on Demand Card Game is made for students and working professionals. Each player takes a turn imagining themselves in an ethical dilemma and describes how they would solve the situation.

Sounds easy, right? Maybe not! The other players have the right to question your actions, provide alternative solutions or add a layer of complexity in the middle of your answers. You have to think fast, adapt to the situation and keep working through the problem until your time is up.

Let this card game put you and your colleagues in ethical predicaments, from the mundane to the outrageous, because life happens so you might as well be prepared. What will your resolution be?

Come play with us if you dare!

(Hover over the card to download.)

Student Card Deck Single Sided

Student Card Deck Double Sided

Working Professional Card Deck Single Sided

Working Professional Card Deck Double Sided

Cours :

Songez au cours « The Science of Morals: Understanding the CSMLS Code of Ethics » pour renforcer votre compréhension du Code et pour apprendre comment appliquer ces principes aux situations réelles. 

Des heures PEP seront accordées à l’achèvement de ce cours.

Discutez :

Avez-vous une opinion sur la résolution d’un dilemme éthique? Comment vous occupez-vous des zones d’incertitude? Discutez-en avec des membres et appuyez votre profession.

Card Game Background

Instructions

Score Sheet

Principes de la bioéthique

Composés par Beauchamp et Childress , les principes de l’éthique biomédicale sont devenus l’un des cadres les plus largement utilisés à l’échelle mondiale pour examiner les questions d’éthique en santé. Contrairement à certaines approches qui appliquent des principes d’éthique aux cas individuels (approche descendante), ces principes guident des idées courantes au sujet de l’éthique dans la pratique générale (approche ascendante). Les quatre principes de la bioéthique décrivent un ensemble de conditions morales minimales imposées sur le comportement des professionnels des soins de santé.

Autonomie : Aussi appelée le principe de la dignité humaine, l’autonomie est d’origine latine signifiant la « régie de soi ». Les travailleurs de la santé sont obligés de respecter les décisions prises par des patients compétents au sujet de leur propre traitement. Les patients doivent être pleinement informés de leur maladie. Tant que les patients sont compétents, ils ont le droit de prendre leurs propres décisions à propos de leurs soins, même si leur famille ou leur médecin ne sont pas d’accord (consentement éclairé).

Bienfaisance : : Faire du bien pour le patient en toutes circonstances. Les patients ne doivent pas nécessairement partager l’avis de leur médecin en ce qui concerne leur traitement. Il faut respecter le bien tel que déterminé par le patient (consultez « autonomie »).

Non-malfaisance : : Surtout, s’abstenir de faire du mal. Il faut divulguer les risques ou les effets secondaires d’un traitement, en particulier lorsqu’une guérison est impossible. En traitant des patients en bonne santé (par ex., soins préventifs, immunisations), nous devons décider si les avantages surpassent les risques.

La bienfaisance se distingue de la non-malfaisance dans le sens que « la bienfaisance est une exigence positive de l’action, tandis que la non-malfaisance est une interdiction négative contre l’action ». 4

Justice : : La justice se rapporte à la façon dont les ressources limitées des soins de santé sont distribuées. Il faut s’occuper de tous les patients de manière équitable, juste et impartiale (respect de leurs droits). Les patients qui se trouvent dans des situations semblables devraient avoir accès aux mêmes soins sans égard à leur position financière. En conséquence, il peut y avoir un conflit entre la bienfaisance, l’autonomie et la justice.

Principes corollaires :

Autonomie : Soyez honnête avec d’autres personnes et gardez vos promesses.

Autonomie et bienfaisance : La bienfaisance et l’autonomie des patients peuvent se chevaucher et se contredire.

Non-malfaisance : « Quand il est impossible d’éviter de faire du mal… minimiser le mal qu’on fait. »

Bienfaisance et non-malfaisance : « Les actions doivent produire plus de bien que de mal. »

Justice : Ne pas créer de problèmes inutiles. 
Justice : Ne pas gaspiller de ressources limitées pouvant servir à du bien.

Bienfaisance  et justice : Soutenir ceux qui ne sont pas traités de manière équitable.

Autres normes déontologiques : Consentement éclairé, divulgation, confidentialité, intégrité, honnêteté/véracité, fidélité, respect.

Cours :

Songez au cours « The Science of Morals: Understanding the CSMLS Code of Ethics » pour renforcer votre compréhension du Code et pour apprendre comment appliquer ces principes aux situations réelles. 

Des heures PEP seront accordées à l’achèvement de ce cours.

Discutez :

Avez-vous une opinion sur la résolution d’un dilemme éthique? Comment vous occupez-vous des zones d’incertitude? Discutez-en avec des membres et appuyez votre profession.

Scénarios

I don't know which Code of Ethics to follow. CSMLS has one but so does my provincial association or regulator. Which one is the right one?

Based on the methodology used to create the CSMLS Code of Ethics (which included a national review of all available medical laboratory specific Code of Ethics at the time), it is unlikely that the national version will contradict a provincial or territory version. However, your employer may defer to one or the other document and determine the minimum requirement from these.

CSMLS holds the position that the document that should be considered for a specific situation is the one that is strictest in application.

Some of the ethical codes don't apply to me in my current job. Are they supposed to apply?

Each code should be examined in relation to the other ethical codes, Code of Professional Conduct, Standards of Professional Practice, and relevant policy material locally, provincially and nationally. Although the Code of Ethics is meant for all professionals as defined in the guiding principles, it is recognized that some individuals may not practise in a manner that requires all codes be applied to them. However, the golden rule is that all codes should apply to each individual and only with evidence-based reasoning may a code not be applied.

  • As students, Code 1.1 does not apply as they have not completed their certification exam. However, Code 1.2 states that the procedures they are practicing should only be those which they are qualified to so. A student should not complete any procedure or task unsupervised unless qualified in addition to being delegated the procedure or task by the proper authority.
How can I take immediate action for errors I have committed? Is it not my manager's responsibility to deal with errors? Reference Code 1.4 and 1.5.

It is your professional responsibility to report any ethical violation you observe or conduct to your immediate supervisor.  While this may prove challenging, by making others aware of the ethical violation, you are doing your due diligence to rectify the situation. Furthermore, while your manager may be ultimately responsible for actions such as policy or standard operating procedure shift, they must first be aware of the violations in order to take next step measures.

  • Violations may be as straightforward as a staff member not washing their hands when leaving the lab area or not cleaning benches properly. In these cases, it may be appropriate to speak to the person directly first and if they comply you do not need to contact a supervisor further. However, if you continue to observe the violation then contacting a supervisor would be appropriate.
  • A violation may be a breach in confidentiality. It is interesting and informative to discuss unique cases to improve one’s knowledge and potentially enhance patient care. However, this must be done under strict guidelines so that confidentiality is observed. It is easy to get caught up in conversation and transform a learning experience into discussion about a patient’s life or situation that does not involve or impact their medical care. One should always attempt to stop inappropriate conversation such as this and if not possible, immediately inform a supervisor.
Can I release confidential information if it is not detrimental to the patient? How can I know if information will be detrimental or not? Reference Code 2.3.

While it is understood that information may be communicated between health care professionals, only information that is medically relevant to the care of the patient should be communicated. You must use your professional judgment to determine what is considered medically relevant in each case.

  • In teaching hospitals it is understood and written into policy documents that a case may be discussed with your permission amongst other medical personnel (e.g., medical rounds where staff indirectly involved in your case or for educational purposes are invited to attend). Also, interesting cases are often discussed in the laboratory for educational purposes.
  • See question, « How can I take immediate action for errors I have committed? Is it not my manager’s responsibility to deal with errors? » and review the second bullet point.
Am I leaking confidential information? I wrote something on a social media platform about a patient but I didn't mention their name. I let a friend know about a new lab instrument we have that the hospital is going to let the media know about next week.

It is important to remember that when information is shared on any type of social media, it is difficult if not impossible to completely remove.  Furthermore, social media is in essence a form of public communication which may grossly violate confidentiality through indirect means. Information from one person can be correlated with information from another to allow piecing together a situation that identifies a very private matter or individuals. Professionals must use diligence in remembering that social media is rarely, if ever, a form of private communication. Providing information, in full or in part, about a patient, policy or work situation on social media that has not been approved for release can be considered a violation of confidentiality.

  • Mentioning a case in social media (without patient identifiers) is no different than talking in an elevator or cafeteria about the same case, except that it reaches a larger audience. All of these situations are considered inappropriate and have the possibility that the patient could be identified.
  • Your organization might be considering a new piece of technology that could help contribute to better patient care and/or diagnostic testing. You may have heard about this potential purpose through hallway discussions, meetings or read in minute notes. Although the concept of enhancing patient care is positive and something you may want to communicate to others, there are other considerations such as fiscal responsibilities, changes in patient flow between organizations, and vendor interests that are also important. It is possible that disseminating such information prior to approval may lead to a violation in confidentiality.
What if I am unfit to practice but I am not able to recognize? Reference Code 3.1.

As a professional practitioner, it is your responsibility to be self-aware and to critically reflect on your skills, abilities and any changes that have occurred in your life that may impact your ability to practise. This can be accomplished through external evaluation as well as internal self-reflection.  Furthermore, it is your responsibility to identify to your supervisor if you feel a coworker is unfit to practice. They may be unconsciously incompetent and have no malicious intent; however, you are ethically bound to make them aware of their potential inability to practice properly in a respectful manner. Using both self-reflective practice and external formal and informal evaluation is important in recognizing fitness to practice.

  • It is possible that someone can develop a mental or physical illness or disorder that inhibits him or her from performing duties that were once considered routine or easy. For example, when a person becomes stressed or experiences burnout from work or home life stress, he/she may find completing the most simple of tasks at work as arduous and/or may begin to cut corners to relieve some stress. We don’t always know that we are not performing at our best and may believe that we will be able to make up for our shortcomings at a later date. However, this may not be the case. If a coworker or supervisor brings the shortcomings to you, it is best to recognize the issue and seek help.
How can I contribute to the advancement of my profession by 'improving the body of knowledge'? Reference Code 3.4.

Improving the body of knowledge can be considered in any number of scenarios (formal, informal to non-formal perspectives).  As a professional, you learn not only from your initial training but from your daily experience.  While we commonly believe that improving the body of knowledge involves formalized tasks, it can also be as simple as informing your colleagues of a new method, idea, or opportunity. Improving the body of knowledge is about engagement in your own learning and the learning of others. 

  • Examples might include sharing your gained knowledge from attending a conference or being responsible for a quality improvement project, writing the report and presenting findings to your coworkers. In sharing and possibly having to defend our findings, we are reinforcing our knowledge and understanding.
How can I be responsible to the environment? Reference Code 4.1

Your environment is all around you and includes your place of work as well as the external larger global environment. As professionals we are ethically responsible to the public, not just to patients but also to members of a larger community. Consider the notion of waste management and the cost that wastefulness can have on the patient, the public and the environment. Would it be environmentally ethical to dispose of mercury containing materials down the sink?  The same concept may be applied to any number of laboratory policies that may be unnecessarily wasteful.

  • Over the years, for the sake of health and safety, many organizations use plastic disposable containers for much of our work. This was not an issue when glassware was being used, washing and sterilizing in the past. It is appropriate to consider our local policies and national guidance on how to dispose of products and consider new alternative methods for this.
What does the word 'inform' mean? Should I give the results of a test or only how the test is completed? Reference Code 4.4

To inform is to give or impart knowledge of a fact or circumstance; to supply (oneself) with knowledge of a matter or subject; to give evident substance, character, or distinction to someone.

  • A patient might want to be informed of what a particular test is for or why it has to occur at specific intervals. It is your professional duty to be prepared to explain the answer or seek the answer in a timely manner from another healthcare profession as required. Patients have the right to accept or refuse testing after being provided with the information as it may be new to the individual or they may consider the information in a new light.
Discuss the concept of formal and informal education in relation to the code. Reference Code 3.3

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines formal learning as a type of learning that is intentional, organized, structured and usually arranged by institutions (e.g., college, university course, or CSMLS course). Non-formal learning may or may not be intentional or arranged by an institution, but is usually organized in some way, though lacks granting of formal credit. Workplace based approaches to learning will often fall within this category (e.g. LABCON). In contrast to these, informal learning is never organized, and rather than being guided by a rigid curriculum is often thought of as experiential or spontaneous. The concept of networking for example could be considered an informal approach to learning. Therefore, education approaches may utilize any of these forms of learning incorporating components such as article review, mentoring, networking, or other informal learning which can be documented or demonstrated as being completed.

Cours :

Songez au cours « The Science of Morals: Understanding the CSMLS Code of Ethics » pour renforcer votre compréhension du Code et pour apprendre comment appliquer ces principes aux situations réelles. 

Des heures PEP seront accordées à l’achèvement de ce cours.

Discutez :

Avez-vous une opinion sur la résolution d’un dilemme éthique? Comment vous occupez-vous des zones d’incertitude? Discutez-en avec des membres et appuyez votre profession.