In the evolving landscape of healthcare surrounding COVID vaccinations, ethical standards are pivotal for massage and manual osteopathic therapists. Upholding Principle I – Respect for Persons, which emphasizes valuing the dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of diverse characteristics such as age, race, culture, creed, sexual identity, gender, ability, and health status.

Application of Principle I

To demonstrate respect for client autonomy, therapists adhere to the following ethical practices:

  1. Ensuring that clients are as fully involved as possible in the planning and implementation of their own health care
  2. Providing complete and accurate information in a sensitive and timely fashion to enable clients, or when necessary, a client’s substitute decision maker, to make informed choices
  3. Listening to and respecting a client’s values, opinions, needs, and cultural beliefs
  4. Encouraging and being responsive to a client’s choice to accept, augment, modify, refuse, or terminate treatment
  5. Being informed about moral and legal rights of a client
  6. Advocating for and supporting a client in exercising his/her moral and legal rights

Practical Guidance

In light of ongoing global events, such as discussions surrounding COVID-19 vaccination, it’s important to approach client interactions with sensitivity and professionalism. Here are specific guidelines:

Avoiding Inappropriate Questions: Refrain from asking questions about vaccination status with the intention to discriminate. Client decisions regarding vaccination are personal and should be respected without judgment.

Treatment Consistency: Regardless of vaccination status, therapists should provide care to all clients equally, without prejudice.

Responding to Inquiries: If asked about a therapist’s vaccination status, respond with: “Our clinic respects individual rights and does not differentiate based on vaccination status. Every individual has the right to choose their medical treatments without discrimination.”

Conclusion

By upholding Principle I – Respect for Persons, massage and manual osteopathic therapists uphold ethical standards that foster trust, respect, and professionalism in healthcare practice. These principles ensure that therapists provide compassionate, patient-centered care while respecting individual rights and choices.

Take a Course

Keep your skills up to date with our wide range of courses.

View Course Listings

Boost Your Career

Browse our career postings to find the right fit for you.

View Career Postings