What if Deliberately Dying is an Occupation? An Ethical Decision-making Framework.

Description

Citation:

Part one:

Guay M, Drolet MJ, Kühne N, Talbot-Coulombe C, Mortenson WB. What If Deliberately Dying Is an Occupation? Am J Occup Ther. 2022 Jul 1;76(4):7604347040. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2022.047357. PMID: 35709000.

Part two:

Gordon C, Drolet, M, Reel, K. Facilitating interdisciplinary ethical decision making: Occupational therapists as leaders in the emerging practice of professionally assisted dying. Occupational Therapy Now. 2015 Sept. Volume 17.5 p18-20.

Summary of the article

This article content is highly controversial and challenges a variety of moral, religious and professional beliefs. As health care professionals we are challenged to remain neutral as we provide services for a people of different experiences, backgrounds and beliefs and in difficult circumstances. The article also rigorously reviews the concept of occupation and expands our thinking to include every aspect of a patient’s occupation.

This article provides an interesting topic for ethical debate and a useful format for reviewing ethical decisions which can be applied to other ethical dilemmas. “Sound ethical decision-making regarding client care empowers occupational therapists to be effective change agents that is to use their expertise and influence responsibility to advance occupation, occupational performance and occupational engagement.” (CAOT, 2012, p3)