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The Speech Pathology
Australia Code of
Ethics describes appropriate professional and ethical
communication both explicitly and implicitly in a
number of sections, such as:
Values
Quality Standards and Continuing Competence
– we value clear and timely communication with
our clients, the community and all with whom we
interact.
Principles
Truth – we tell the truth
Fairness – we provide accurate information
Professional Integrity – we are respectful and
courteous
Standards
3.3.3 Professional Reputation
– we avoid behaviour
that would bring the profession into disrepute, such
as disparaging the skills, knowledge or services of
our colleagues
3.4.1 Professional Standards
– we treat our
colleagues with honesty, fairness, respect and good
faith
There are other standards within the code that relate
to communication with clients and the community in
general, however those mentioned above highlight
our ethical obligations when interacting with
colleagues and other professionals.
What does this mean in practice?
As professionals with specific expertise in
communication we should be in the best position to
answer that question. Nonetheless, calls received
by National Office from speech pathologists who
have experienced inappropriate or confronting
communication from colleagues (within speech
pathology and other professions) indicates that it
is worth consciously reflecting on how we enact
those values, principles and standards when having
discussions with our associates, to ensure we are
interacting in an appropriate and ethical manner.
All of us have experienced situations where we
were aware of an issue that raised questions in
our mind or did not appear to be appropriate,
which we wanted to discuss with a colleague, a
supervisee or supervisor, or a manager. It may be
best to approach the person themselves initially,
and then to seek further discussion if the situation
or issue is not resolved. It is worth planning those
discussions to ensure that we are maintaining and
Respectful professional communication
Ethics News
Interacting and communicating with colleagues in a
professional and ethical way are integral to professionally
acceptable behaviour.