Speak Out February 2019

One buzz phrase frequently heard around National Office is ‘reflective practice’, which is a useful place to start at this time of year. By providing reflections on the common themes in complaints and queries that arose during 2018, members can consider actions to take, resources to develop and support to organise, to underpin ethical and professional practice in 2019.

Ethical reflections

Theme from formal complaints and queries

Suitable actions to take

Advertising •

Accuracy in information provided to clients

Read the newly revised SPA Code of Ethics - Advertising Policy and revised FAQ to consider underlying principles of why there are definite ‘do’s and don’ts’ to ethical advertising • use resources available on SPA website to understand the practical implications that may be relevant to your advertising • audit your advertising and make changes Information to clients • e.g. fee schedule – ensure that is provided to EVERY client before they see you for the first time, preferably in writing, with an opportunity to ask questions • does a report cost extra or is it included in the assess- ment fee? • consider how to ensure your reports are accurate (par- ticularly if you ‘cut and paste’ common information) • do you know, and how do you represent, the evidence supporting your interventions Consider how you provide information to clients • only discuss speech pathology related information • clearly separate out any other topics that are not speech pathology related e.g. on your website, in your discussions • be mindful of presenting information in a way that suits the individual client, so that you can be confident they have been fully informed before providing consent • uphold, and act to maintain, the reputation of the profession at all times

Professionalism

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February 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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