1st Edition

An Ethical Framework for Complementary and Alternative Therapists

By Julie Stone Copyright 2002
    304 Pages
    by Routledge

    304 Pages
    by Routledge

    As growing numbers of patients turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the focus of attention has largely been on whether these therapies work and whether they are safe. These questions are central to further integration of CAM with orthodox medicine. But in the absence of formal regulation, it is equally critical to consider the ethical dimensions of the CAM therapeutic encounter.
    In this book, Julie Stone demonstrates that ethical issues are no less relevant to CAM therapists than they are to doctors or any other group of health professionals. She provides CAM therapists with a detailed framework of the specific ethical issues which affect CAM practice to help practitioners think constructively about how ethics underpin their therapeutic work.
    An Ethical Framework for Complementary and Alternative Therapists encourages critical and reflective practice, suggests practical problems to common problems, includes illustrative scenarios of ethical dilemmas faced by therapists and summarises key points. This timely book offers a comprehensive guide to this important area. Its challenging conclusions are as relevant to experienced practitioners as to students and newly qualified therapists. This book will also interest policy makers and professional bodies interested in strengthening and enhancing CAM's potential.

    1. Introduction Part One: Understanding Ethics 2. What Do We Mean by 'Ethics'? 3. Ethical Theories 4. Professional Codes of Ethics 5. The Law 6. Do Alternative Therapies Require an Alternative Ethical Framework Part Two: Ethical Issues Common to all Therapies 7. Competence 8. Research 9. Supervision 10. Continuing Professional Development 11. Maintaining Boundaries and Preventing Abuse 12. Respect for Autonomy and Consent 13. Truth-telling 14. Confidentiality and Patient Records 15. Negotiating Contracts with Patients 16. Duties Towards Children and Mentally Incapacitated Adults 17. Issues Relating to Justice Part Three: Ethics in Practice 18. Hands-on Therapies 19. Invasive Therapies 20. Product-based Therapies 21. Energy-based Medicine 22. Psychological Interventions 23. Self-help Therapies 24. Conclusion

    Biography

    Julie Stone

    'This is a unique and seminal text and one every CAM student and practitioner should have on their shelves.' - Complimentary Therapies and Midwifery

    'An important and timely addition to the limited literature in this fast developing field.' - Bulletin of Medical Ethics