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CODE OF ETHICS
Radiation Therapy
Code of Ethics
Katie Hanna
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CODE OF ETHICS
Radiation Therapy Code of Ethics
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that seeks to determine how human actions
may be judged right or wrong (Garrett et al., 2010). Enforcing a code of ethics has
been around for many years, and is definitely not new to the medical field. They are
put in place to address common issues of ethical concern, to add structure to the
work environment and hold healthcare workers accountable for their actions. Most
branches in the medical field have a code that is specifically written to address their
concerns. The American Society of Radiation Technologists has written a code of
ethics for individuals working in the radiation therapy field. It consists of five ethical
principals that address issue of respect, discrimination, responsibility, and
continuing education.
The ASRT states the first code of ethics as; “The radiation therapist advances
the principal objective of the profession to provide services to humanity with full
respect for the dignity of mankind” (American Society of Radiologic Technologists
(ASRT), 2013). Meaning, we treat each patient as an individual. Providing adequate
care with respect to their needs. This code applies to practice each time you have an
interaction with a patient. Whether it be using their name to show that you
recognize their return, or making sure they are appropriately covered during
treatment; showing respect allows patients to feel more comfortable during
treatment. This code has been demonstrated during clinical training by seeing
therapists treat each patient as a human being and getting to know their story as
much as they can, while still providing adequate and equal care to all patients.
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The second code of ethics is, “The radiation therapist delivers patient care
and service unrestricted by concerns of personal attributes or the nature of the
disease or illness, and without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, creed,
religion or socioeconomic status” (ASRT, 2013). This code of ethics explains that
discrimination of any sort is not tolerated in the workplace. You are to treat each
patient the same, regardless of their personal choices. This is shown in practice by
treating each patient with an equal amount of respect and preforming job duties to
the same standard as everyone else. It has been applied during clinical training in
the same way.
The third ethical code explains, “The radiation therapist assess situations;
exercises care, discretion and judgment; assumes responsibility for professional
decisions and acts in the best interest of the patient” (ASRT, 2013). This code
applies to radiation therapy practice in many ways. We interact with a lot of
different people each day so lacking judgment and using discretion is important.
Acting in the best interest of the patient also applies to our job in a big way. The
delivery of their treatment is in our hands, so we need to be alert to things that seem
wrong or off, and make sure they are corrected. This principal has been shown in
clinical training daily. For example, monitoring skin changes in patients. Therapists
are the ones that see the patient everyday and can take note of the changes that our
occurring. If a patient is having breakdown it is in their best interest for us to inform
the nurse or doctor and have the problem evaluated to see if they should continue
on with treatment, change the plan, and so forth.
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The fourth code is that, “The radiation therapist adheres to the tenants and
domains to the scope of practice for radiation therapists” (ASRT, 2013). This means
that we stick to our job and practice what we were taught. This applies to radiation
therapy practice and all other healthcare jobs. It is dangerous to you and the patient
to give them information that is out of your scope of practice. In clinical training this
is demonstrated a lot when patients ask us questions about their medications or
concerns with other health issues they may be having. Our response is to let them
know that is a question for the nurse or doctor and that we can have them be seen if
they would like to.
The last code of ethics is, “the radiation therapists actively engages in
life long learning to maintain, improve, and enhance professional competence and
knowledge” (ASRT, 2013). This means that we need to strive to learn more about
our field. The healthcare field is ever changing and expanding and it is our duty to
keep up. This principal is demonstrated with mandatory continuing education
credits that need to be maintained each year for radiation therapy. In clinical
training this is accomplished through tumor board conferences and attending chart
rounds.
Whether it is the billing staff or the oncologists, the radiation therapy code of
ethics sets ethical expectations for all the healthcare workers in that clinic. It can set
the tone of environment and also show consequences for those who do not comply.
It is an important policy to have in a clinic and should be upheld in everyway.
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CODE OF ETHICS
References
American Society of Radiologic Technologists. (2013). Radiation Therapy Code of
Ethics. American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Retrieved from
http://www.asrt.org/docs/practice-standards/rtcodeofethics.pdf
Garrett, Thomas., Baillie, Harold., McGeehan, John., & Garrett, Rosellen. (2010).
Health Care Ethics: Principles and Problems. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.