You’re in 9th trimester and sitting with other 9th-tri friends in your apartment house when one of them says to another “Go ahead and adjust me. You know how to do it and you don’t need to be supervised” (adjusting without authorization is not allowed at Palmer College).
Use Palmer Student Code of Ethics (Rights and Responsibilities section of the Student Handbook) and Kinsinger’s three virtues of integrity (pages 40-41) in discussing the issues and implications of this situation with your group. Post a summary of your team’s comments to the blog before noon on Wednesday, January 4 and remember to include your group's number.
Thanks and have a wonderful holiday break!
Group 13 decided, after we reviewed the Palmer Student Code of Ethics as well as Kisinger's three virtues of integrity from page 40-41, that adjusting a friend without the proper supervision would be the wrong thing to do. First, we knew it would be wrong because of the commitment each of us made to Palmer. Kinsingers first virtue is Commitment. In summary he states that commitment means to keep your word by being reliable and that when we sign a legally binding contract, we should honor that commitment and stand by it and we hope others will do the same. Each of us group members signed a contract from the Palmer handbook stating that we would all follow the student code of ethics policy. In the code of ethics, it basically states that as students we aren't allowed to adjust without the proper supervision and authorization. Even if we knew what we were doing 100% and we knew that adjusting our friend would help him feel better, we still wouldn't adjust him because of that commitment we made to Palmer. We discussed that once we signed that contract, we are expected to act as professionals and adjusting our friend without the proper supervision and authorization would not only be unproffesional but very immoral and irresponsible, and we would be breaking our commitment to Palmer and each other.
ReplyDeleteKinsingers second virtue of integrity is forthrightness. He states that having forthrightness is to maintain a reputation of being honest and true. Again, our group thought that since we are all going to be doctors we need to have the forthrightness not to adjust our friend because it would be dishonest of us to adjust him without the proper supervision. We thought that being forethright would be to uphold the Palmer code of ethics and wait to adjust him until we were at the clinic.
Adjusting him in the clinic and not at the apartment could also be used as an example of Kinsingers third virtue of integrity, Steadfastness. We thought we would be acting with steadfastness, because we would be demonstrating to our friend that we follow through with the commitments we make and we are professionals. Even though our friend may not be happy at the time, we decided that in the long run, he would eventually see that we act with integrity and that we are professional, and he would have a new found respect for us.
Group 8
ReplyDeleteWe believe if these students adjusted the others out of campus, they would violate Palmer student’s code of ethics: “Disruption or obstruction of teaching, learning, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings and other College proceedings and activities, including its public service functions or other authorized non-College activities”. They perform adjustment outside of the college even though its not allowed in Palmer. Maybe they didn’t mean to violate the rules but they did it without realizing it. This story is similar to the speaker’s story. We had a speaker a few weeks ago. She told us that she got suspended for a week because she did an examination outside of the clinic. She just took patient’s information but did not do any adjustment. I guess she was thinking for the patient, since the patient didn’t have time to come to the clinic. We think that since these students are in 9th trimester, they should conduct themselves in the right ways to build their own reputation and nurture it for the rest of their career. They may loose their reputation with a small mistake. As Dr. Kinsinger believes, the integrity can be expressed in three virtues: commitment, forthrightness, and steadfastness. If these virtues can’t be done correctly, we as Palmer students may loose our reputation. Commitment is quite important for Palmer students. Since we are Palmer students, we have to denote and honor the commitment in school. We definitely need to keep ourselves out of troubles. Therefore, if they adjusted their friends in the apartment, they didn’t keep their commitment. People always recommend think before you speak. We think its true with one of the virtues. Not only we need to think before we speak, but we have to be honest and true in thoughts and words. Once we loose patient’s trusts, it’s hard to earn it back. We think the steadfastness is the most important. Nothing is impossible as long as we try hard to accomplice it. These students have already done their steadfastness by almost completing with the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. They should cherish what they have earned. If these students violate the rules, their reputation will be ruin. Their friends will look at them differently, and Palmer will also have effect. We believe professionalism is tied to this as well. Individuals must value their reputation to keep our profession’s name. Recently one of the palmer’s students got suspended. This definitely affects Palmer College. We hope this will not happen again, and also is our lesson. We have to act and be professional as long as we are Palmer students.
As a whole, group 6 decided that we would be steadfastly against adjusting our friends when sitting around our apartments or houses. As students of Palmer College of Chiropractic we all have agreed to the Palmer code of ethics which clearly forbids clinical misrepresentation. This means that, as unlicensed students, we cannot misrepresent ourselves as Doctors of Chiropractic, no matter how close to graduation we may be. In this scenario the patient is well aware that we have not completed our education but still asked to be adjusted, this still falls under the clinical misrepresentation: practicing chiropractic medicine without licensure is forbidden by the Palmer code of ethics. As students we have committed ourselves by signing a legally binding contract to follow the Palmer code of ethics; commitment is one of Kinsinger's three virtues of integrity. To betray our commitment to Palmer would be a betrayal to our integrity as an individual and the integrity of the entire college. Kinsinger also addresses peer pressure like we might experience as 9th trimester almost-chiropractors: steadfastness is another one of Kinsinger's virtues of integrity. Steadfastness means that we must not give in to peer pressure and do the wrong thing just because our friends want us to.
ReplyDeleteBeyond misrepresenting yourself as a chiropractor and violating your integrity, adjusting your friends violates a variety of sections of the code of conduct. It would be irresponsible to adjust without taking a medical history but to do so outside of a secure clinic, in a group of casual friends none the less, violates patient confidentiality and privacy. Also the very act of preforming an adjustment carries with it a certain danger and adjusting in an environment like a friend's apartment can acutely endanger the safety of your fellow Palmer student, thus going against another section of the Palmer code of conduct. Overall our group decided that we are against adjusting fellow students at parties.
Group 20 collectively agrees that adjusting a friend outside of the clinic and without proper supervision is inappropriate. Group 20 also agrees that our first thought would be to go ahead and adjust the friend, thus, the entire point of thinking critically as a doctor is presented. Each of us previously signed a document committing ourselves to obey the Palmer code of ethics. Under the Student Code of Ethics, section C “Clinical misrepresentations,” it states that, “Practicing chiropractic without a license under applicable state law outside of the legal scope provided for chiropractic students.” By signing that code, we agreed that we would not, and should not, adjust a patient/friend/family member without supervision by an approved doctor of chiropractic. Even if the student is fully qualified and completely confident in his or her work, it would be illegal and unprofessional to perform the unsupervised adjustment, thus interfering with Kinsinger’s first virtue, commitment. Some members of our group also pointed out the lack of commitment shown by the student that asked for the adjustment, not only the student making this decision. In his book, Kinsinger also mentions forthrightness, or the ability to maintain a reputation of being honest and true. This quality is vital to present and future doctors of chiropractic and is therefore applicable in the previously discussed situation. A reputation of honesty and trueness can be ruin by rumors (true or false), that a future doctor has violated the ethical code of our educational institution. Kinsinger additionally emphasizes steadfastness as his 3rd virtue of integrity. Steadfastness, often synonymous with faithfulness, dedication, and loyalty, would be demonstrated in the given situation by refraining from the unsupervised adjustment. In this way, the future doctor would be faithful to Palmer and to the safety of his or her fellow student.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWe can already sense how sensationalized the idea of adjusting someone outside of a clinic will be in this week’s postings. Namely a student could hurt the patient. We opine that a licensed doctor can cause harm just the same. Our discussion this week involved truthfulness on the matter, some opinions, and questions left unanswered.
ReplyDeleteWe didn’t need to look in the student handbook to know that we can’t give an adjustment without a license. Isn’t that already understood? We’re explicitly here to meet the requirements for licensure; so it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone in 9th trimester that adjustments without the supervision of a licensed chiropractor in Palmer’s clinic is unlawful and misconduct on behalf of the student.
Let’s use some candor here and say that students are going to give adjustments anyway. Are group isn’t endorsing that behavior and we don’t foresee ourselves participating in this form of misconduct, but it would be naïve to think otherwise. No amount of laws or instruction on professional conduct will change or deter this particular type of behavior or any other violation of the student code of ethics. If a student is confident with his/her skill and the patient trusts him/her, state law and the student code of ethics aren’t going to prevent an adjustment. It becomes more of a question of how to get away with it than not doing it in the first place.
Our question is who’s liable? Who’s liable if someone is harmed, the student or the school or possibly the patient? Regardless, if we remain steadfast and committed to the code of ethics and forthright with the patient and we reduce the risk of harming any party involved. Group #15
After going over both the Kissinger’s Principles and the Student Code of Ethics, Group 7 determined that the situation of adjusting a friend while not under the supervision of a licensed chiropractor is a blatant breach of both documents. The first (commitment) and third (steadfastness) principles were particularly breached as they both seem to directly apply to this scenario. Within the principle of steadfastness, a description of integrity is given; it states that with the knowledge of, “discerning right from wrong” and “using that knowledge” is a key aspect of being a professional health care practitioner. Based on the Student Code of Ethics, we all know that adjusting each other or anyone in general, without the supervision of a licensed chiropractor is wrong. Even if one has done the adjustment many times before, by performing it on a person while still knowing it is “wrong” clearly holds issue with everything we say we agree with by coming to this institution.
ReplyDeleteThis becomes a breach in the first principle, commitment, as well. By going in to this career field we are committed to being truthful to our patients, colleagues, those around us and ourselves. Performing an adjustment under these circumstances does not demonstrate a person who is truthful. We would be deceiving those around us by saying that we are not doing these types of adjustment, all the while actually doing them. Our actions would not be reflecting our words, and that is does not demonstrate a person who if committed to keeping their promise of being professional. This would also be breaking the commitment that we all made when we came to this school and when we all put our signatures down saying that we would follow the student code of ethics.
Finally, some implications of actually performing the adjustment in the scenario could be severe. A student could face many harsh punishments for this type of misbehavior; quite possibly include expulsion in an extreme case. Being in the 9th trimester and so close to graduating then getting expelled would most likely crush even the strongest individual. Not to mention hinder their chances of finishing their schooling at another institution. Also, even if the person performing the adjustment had done it numerous times before there is still that small chance that a mishap could occur. How would you like to be responsible for the injury of a friend just because you thought you knew what you were doing?
Group 12
ReplyDeleteWe decided as a group that adjusting a friend in an apartment setting would be a violation of the Palmer student code of ethics. On orientation day we signed a paper saying we would abide by that code of ethics and to do this we need a certain level of commitment, which is the first of Kisingers three virtues of integrity. If these students practiced outside of the clinic they would be showing that they were not committed to the paper they signed. That is not saying that they are not committed students, every student who does well while attending palmer is committed to at least the school work; there is not many other people who would be willing to take 31 credits a trimester. Kisingers second virtue, forthrightness, was also broken in this example. He describes forthrightness as being honest and true in what you do; these students were not being honest to themselves or their classmates. Although these students are very close to graduation and would know how to adjust their friend it would not be honest for them to practice, without supervision, before graduating. Part of the Palmer student code of ethics was that we agreed to only practice under supervision and in the clinic until we were a DC. Kisingers third virtue of integrity is steadfastness; the students had already shown this by getting through nine trimesters at Palmer. Yet, the students could have been more steadfast to the commitments they made by just waiting to adjust their friend until they went to the clinic. This example is a lot like the guest speaker we had a few weeks ago. She thought that because she just took a case history outside of the clinic it would be ok; Palmer found out and suspended her for a week. Looking back on that event the speaker knew what she did was wrong and would take it back if she could. These students know it isn’t the right thing to do but may not see the harm in doing something they are training for. Our group has decided that in order to practice the Palmer student code of ethics students should not under any circumstance practice outside of clinic.
Overall, group 11 agreed that it would be against Palmer’s code of ethics, as well as any health professional’s code of ethics, to adjust a friend or provide any type of treatment outside of school or a supervised clinical setting. There are several points under Palmer’s code of ethics clinical section that apply to this situation. First of all, our group felt that it would be a breach of clinical collegiality to adjust a friend outside of the clinic. By doing so, the student may lose the trust of their other patients, and certainly trust of peers, faculty and staff if they found out about the situation. This goes along with Kinsinger’s first and second virtues of integrity: commitment and forthrightness. We feel that as professionals we are called to always be committed to our patients and their best interests. Thus we feel that this would also be a breach of the patient care section of the code of ethics. The health of our patients is not a commitment that should be taken lightly. By agreeing to adjust a friend outside of the clinic without the proper supervision and without a license, you are sending the message to your friend, peers, and potential patients that their health is not as important as you getting to practice techniques. According to Kinsinger, we can display our forthrightness by maintaining a reputation of being honest and true in thought, word, and deed. However, bending the rules for one person can send the message to others that we do not always put the patients’ safety first. If we break the rules once, why not again? Where do we draw the line? Our patients will not always know what we are or are not allowed to do in the clinic without direct supervision and thus they may no longer trust us with any of their care. These actions can also harm our peers because our patients may think that if one person bends the rules then all chiropractors may do so as well. We also felt that adjusting a friend would be a case of clinical misrepresentation. By adjusting someone without direct supervision by clinic faculty, we send the message that we are fully licensed doctors capable of performing treatments as we deem necessary. Not only is this against the code of ethics, but it is against state law. Adjusting our friend would also show a lack of steadfastness, Kinsinger’s third virtue of integrity. We need to stay true to what we believe and to the oaths we take as professionals. We concluded that performing adjustments outside of the clinic is not only potentially incredibly harmful to our patients, but also to our futures as professionals and to our peers within this profession and even other healthcare professions. At no point in our career should we take liberties with our patients’ healthcare.
ReplyDeleteGroup 5
ReplyDeleteOur group met up and discussed this scenario in great detail. We decided after going through both the Student Code of Ethics and Kissinger's Principles, this is a direct and obvious breech of both documents. In specific, steadfastness and commitment were the two principles that would not be followed if the 9th tri students would follow through with adjusting in the apartment. Steadfastness is explained in Kissinger's Principles as the ability to resist giving into peer pressure. In this specific scenario the peer pressure is evident between the student wanted to be adjusted and the student whose services are being requested. Another one of Kissinger’s Principles of integrity is commitment. If this 9th trimester student was to follow through with this adjustment, they would not only be breaking commitment to the piece of paper that they signed as an understanding of the Palmer Code of Ethics, they would also be breaking commitment to the entire Palmer family and the Chiropractic family as a entirety. We need to keep our integrity as professionals and commitment plays a large part in doing so. As unlicensed students at Palmer College of Chiropractic, we under any circumstance and not allowed to misrepresent ourselves as Doctors or Chiropractic. Not only is this ethically wrong, but is legally very dangerous as well. In this scenario, the unlicensed student would be breaking several principles listed to be followed in the Palmer code of ethics. On top of ethics and legalities, this could potentially be a physically dangerous situation as well. Even if the students thought they knew 100% what they were doing, it is still not safe to be practicing in a friend’s apartment, outside of a clinical setting. It is also dangerous not to take official medical history, even if you think you know what you’re doing, there could be many variables that could cause this situation to be dangerous outside of a clinic. As future doctors in this world, and direct representations of Palmer College of Chiropractic, positive reputation is extremely important to withhold. As a group we decided that this scenario breeches Palmer Code of Ethics and the Kissinger’s Principles of Integrity and therefore is irresponsible and would be a misrepresentation of the level of pride, commitment and integrity that we want to exude here at Palmer.
Group 16
ReplyDeleteThis case is very straightforward. Although the situation described is not ethical, it is easy to imagine a student succumbing to pressure in this situation and performing an adjustment when it is among friends and “no one would be the wiser”. By 9th trimester the student should have the basics of how to adjust. Regardless, it would still be easy to make a mistake, even if a perfect adjustment were performed, and problems could still arise making the student at fault and forcing them into decisions on care of the patient they are not yet ready to handle. As discussed previously, it is also a poor reflection on the 9th trimester students who are conforming to the ethics guidelines, forcing them to make decisions on holding the nonconformist accountable. Students should hold themselves and others to a high standard at all times.
As students we are given the handbook and expected to read and understand the Palmer code of ethics, which includes (Article VI, part II, Section C) a section on clinical misrepresentation, clearly stating that one should not allow themself to be presented or represented as a D.C., or practice chiropractic without a license. This situation is a clear violation of both concepts in this section, and as such the student should be held accountable. This leads to the concepts in the Kinsinger text regarding commitment, forthrightness and steadfastness. If commitment is defined as “to keep your word by being reliable”, including “reliability in actions” (Page 40 & 41), then your commitment to Palmer and to others in your trimester has been violated. If Forthrightness is defined as “conveying our intent without being dodgy or deceptive” and implies “honesty in thought, word and deed” (page 41), here too the act of adjusting prior to licensure is a clear violation, being dishonest and deceptive in the representation of yourself as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Kinsinger’s definition of steadfastness sees this trait as resulting from “diligence and careful discernment” and concludes with four ways one can act with integrity which focus on discernment or what is right and wrong, using (and demonstrating) this knowledge in a discerning way, and follow through with actions consistent with your ability to discern (page 41). This is a case where the student did not use proper discernment of the situation, or the consequences. Considering this student could be expelled for this action, and lose 9 trimesters of diligent effort to become a D.C. it is hardly worth the risk. We feel most students would use proper discernment in this situation, resist the pressure in view of the risk involved, and opt for the delayed gratification of many years of successful practice. The ethical guidelines are provided not only for our safety, but for the safety and protection of others, and as such, we are responsible to live within these parameters.
In the beginning of our discussion, Group 22 thought there wouldn't be a problem with adjusting someone as a 9th tri student. We figured since they were roomates/friends and had quite a bit of experience with chiropractic, it had less of a chance of being the wrong thing to do. Upon thinking further, we talked about what if the patient was hurt during the process. This would not be good for the Palmer student or the Palmer College of Chiropractic School. The student would most likely be expelled and this would affect Palmer's reputation negatively. We then read through the Palmer Student Code of Ethics as well as Kissinger's three virtues of integrity on pages 40-41. All of us agreed that it was definitely not the right thing to do. If something went wrong, all of the student's hard work would be pointless. According to the student handbook (Article VI, part II, section C), this is a clinical misrepresentation and since the student does not have a license in Chiropractic yet, it is against the law. According to Kissinger, the student that would have done the manipulation would have lost all his integrity. He would not have kept his commitment to Palmer and would not be making the right decision, especially being a 9th tri student and learning almost everything about professionalism.
ReplyDeleteWe also talked about friends and family putting pressure on you to break these codes and laws. It might be hard to say no to well-known friends and family, but it would not be worth the risk of losing all that you have worked for. They are not going to be mad at you for being professional about the situation, and if they are then they will soon get over it. The student that asked for the adjustment is also int the wrong because he knows that it is against the Code of Ethics and law. He may not be in as much trouble as the other student but he caused the trouble. The guidelines are for everyones safety and should be taken seriously.
Group 22
We would be lying to ourselves if we think this thought would never cross our minds. There will probably come a time when we are all faced with this decision and it might not be as easy as we think to say no. But, we must remember that we have all signed a contract saying that we will not adjust anyone without supervision/ authorization. By making an adjustment on a friend without such supervision/ authorization, would be a violation of the Palmer Student Code of Ethics and that would be an unprofessional decision because in signing this document we are held to a higher standard of professionalism and a binding of trust that we will follow this contract.
ReplyDeleteKinsinger discussed three virtues of integrity: commitment, forthrightness, and steadfastness. In signing the Palmer Student Code of Ethics, we have made a commitment to each other, Palmer, and ourselves. We have made a commitment to do what is best for our patients and to be professional, and this would mean following the rules and not overstepping boundaries, and the code is a good example of a boundary we must observe.
Another one of Kinsigner’s virtues of integrity is forthrightness, which he describes as, making sure what one says and how one says it is clearly conveyed and not deceptive. He makes a statement that in being a professional we must be honest and true and if you would adjust your friend without supervision you would be being dishonest and untruthful not only to yourself, but also to your friend and Palmer because you would be going back on your word after you had signed the contract.
The final virtue that Kinsinger described was steadfastness, which he said was to work hard and push through the distraction and criticism. This can be shown if you would tell your friend that you are not able to adjust them because it would not be the right thing to do in that place and time, but they could always come and see you in the clinic and you could help them. If you let them know that their health and well being is important to you and that you are going to abide by the contract in which you have signed, they will hopefully see that as you holding firmly to your beliefs and being professional about your career path and about their well being.
Group 3
Group 21 came to the consensus that this is a very bad idea to give an adjustment to a friend in their apartment. First this is a direct violation of the Palmer Code of ethics to adjust without supervision. The Palmer Code of Ethics also states that students should conduct themselves with integrity, this student would not be being honest with the patient in this instance. Second, there is a slight chance that something may go wrong, and if it did there would be no one there who was licensed to take care of it since the adjustment was made without supervision. Third, doing this is against the law, it is illegal for someone to practice without a license and by doing this that is exactly what the person is doing.
ReplyDeleteKinsinger had three virtues of integrity. Those virtues were commitment, steadfastness, and forthrightness. The first of those virtues would obviously be broken since all of us as students signed a commitment with Palmer College that says they agree to adhere to the rules of the college. Forthrightness would also be broken because the student would not be acting what they preach in chiropractic, by giving the adjustment without a license they are acting like Chiropractics can be done without a license, why would people need to go to school to get a license if they could just do it like that? The third, steadfastness, would be dismissed because that says that students should not let others get in the way of their goals. That is exactly what they would be doing if they performed the adjustment, it would only be a setback to his/herself.
Group 17 all agreed that adjusting anyone outside of the clinic with a doctor watching would be the wrong thing to do. We just had a speaker a few weeks back that told us how she was suspended for taking a patients personal information at that patients office rather than the clinic. If just taking patient information is grounds for suspension clearly an adjustment would be grounds for a much more severe punishment.
ReplyDeleteThe Code of Ethics clearly states this is not allowed at Palmer.
1. Misrepresenting or allowing ones self to be presented or
represented as a Doctor of
Chiropractic or anything other than as a student chiropractic intern
to patients or
the public.
2. Practicing chiropractic without a license under applicable state
law outside of the
legal scope provided for chiropractic students.
Kissinger's three virtues also reinforce the fact that it would be the wrong thing to do. His first virtue is commitment and we all committed to follow the Palmer Code of Ethics when we attended our first day of orientation. Kissinger's second virtue was forthrightness and in order to be forthright we would need to stick to our commitment that we made to Palmer and their rules. The last virtue was steadfastness we assume since this person is in 9th trimester that they have already been steadfast throughout their Palmer career and adjusting a friend would wouldn't show our steadfastness towards getting our goal of being a doctor.
The Code of Ethics and Kissinger's virtues are two things we are expected to follow here at Palmer and as future doctors we should want to follow these rules!
Group 17
Group 24
ReplyDeleteOur group was on the same page with the thoughts regarding this situation. First, and foremost, we all agree that the biggest problem lies with the possibility of adjusting incorrectly or using the wrong adjustment especially because a patient history and/or x-rays were probably not taken in this situation. Without knowing any underlying issues we could do more harm in an adjustment than good. As Marius pointed out, the patient could have osteoporosis or spina bifida, and without a patient history and x-rays this would not be taken into consideration during the adjustment and could potentially cause severe harm. As Ryan pointed out, and I know we have all faced, we already have friends and family asking if we can help them or when we can help them. We all have the same answer: When I graduate in 3 years! I don’t think it is even smart to give any type of nutritional advice, supplements, exercises, etc. as I think this is a part of practicing as a Doctor of Chiropractic, which we are not yet.
Second, Palmer students accepted and agreed to the Student Rights and Responsibilities on the first day of class, and this included the prohibition of adjustments outside the clinic. The first bad judgment came from the student who said to go ahead and adjust him or her, but everyone else in the room can show better judgment by verbalizing the consequences of adjusting outside the clinic and refusing to participate in any adjustment actions or watching while one of their friend’s gets adjusted. Kinsinger’s virtue of steadfastness and commitment applies to this situation in that we, as students, need to stand by the values and guidelines we committed to, even when tempted to do otherwise. Our acceptance of the responsibilities, virtues, and laws surrounding chiropractic care and our position as a student at Palmer needs to be upheld even behind closed doors- such as at a friend’s apartment. Going against your word and commitment to not adjust outside of clinic as a student shows irresponsibility, poor judgment, and does not make that person look good.
Third, and last, as students of Palmer, we are just that- students. Palmer is essentially responsible for us and what we do, and if we adjust outside of the clinic this does not show good judgment or responsibility from the student, therefore putting Palmer in a negative light as well as placing them under legal responsibility for any harm done to the person that received the adjustment. As one of the three virtues talked about by Kinsinger, forthrightness is part of not presenting ourselves as doctor’s when in fact we are not… yet. We are students until we have passed national boards and have become licensed. And even then, as Doctors, we have the responsibility to protect that prestige and our hard work to get there with insurance and practicing within legal parameters as well as protecting ourselves and our right to practice as a Doctor.
All in all, it is just not worth the risk.
Group 2
ReplyDeleteIn summary, our team decided that Case 4 – Boundaries and Liabilities was a statement which was in direct violation against the Palmer College of Chiropractic oath. We as students enrolled at the College are guided by the highest standards of moral conduct. We are expected to demonstrate professional qualities when dealing with persons in the academic community, with chiropractic patients, and with the public. In Case 4, it would be my moral obligation to stop my friends from breaking the Palmer Student Code of Ethics. This is an aspect of Kinsinger’s “Commitment” portion of Integrity and Conflict of Interest. I need to keep my word by being reliable in my actions within the situation. Next, when I convey my message across to my 9th-tri friends, I need to use forthrightness to clearly express my concern without being misleading. I have to understand that just because they are my friends does not give them the leeway to preform inappropriate actions of carelessness and seriously bring harm to the reputation of the whole profession and my future career. Integrity comes with the territory, “and like a valuable commodity, [it] is to be protected.”
As a group, group 10 agreed that adjusting a fellow student as a 9th tri student here at Palmer is a serious breach of the Palmer student code of ethics, and fails to follow at least two of Kinsinger’s virtues of integrity, those being Commitment and Steadfastness. Unfortunately for a 9th tri student faced with this situation the implications of their actions are not necessarily apparent, because the argument can be made that no loss of integrity occurred as the person being adjusted is clearly well aware of the situation the adjuster is in. As a group we are all in agreement that the major blow to integrity in such a situation would come from a breach of trust between the student and Palmer College. When the student agrees to the Palmer code of ethics they agree to not practice chiropractic techniques without supervision until properly licensed, and although this time two years later in their apartment is almost surely not on their mind at that time, their signed contract is a commitment that is still in effect none the less. Commitment, as Kinsinger puts it, “…means to keep your word by being reliable.” In this situation it is not the trust of the student being adjusted that is thrown into question, but the trust of Palmer College in the student doing the adjusting. As a group we feel that this is far more serious in that as Palmer students, should something go wrong with this adjustment, it is the reputation of the college as well as the individual on the line. Kinsinger takes great pains to point out the fact that journalists are scandal hungry, and it has been stressed to us as students how quickly our actions can tarnish the Palmer College name. All in all, group 10 as a collective like to think of ourselves as worldly and rarely so naïve as to think that such situations do not arise, but it is certainly our belief that when they do, it would be unethical. We also believe that it would be such an easy solution to have your friend just meet you in the clinic during your supervised hours for a code of ethics approved adjustment that to take such a risk with your own and Palmer College’s integrity would be foolish.
ReplyDeleteGroup 10
Performing the adjustment would be a clear violation of Palmer's Student Code of Ethics. Even though we are students and we need and want to practice as much as possible, we signed a paper that prohibits us from doing that. The day we signed that paper we gave our commitment which is one of the things that Kinsinger’s talks about in his book. When you give a commitment to something you are putting your character and your integrity on the line. By performing the adjustment without supervision and without being licensed you would be violating that commitment to Palmer that you signed, which means that your character and integrity are now in question. As a Professional you should strive to never allow your integrity to be questioned. Another thing that was also mentioned in our group was consistency. We thought that if we consistently make morally sound decisions it will be easier to make ethically sound decisions in the future. Everyday we are at Palmer we are building our foundation and our integrity is a reflex-ion of that foundation.
ReplyDeleteGroup 1
Group 23
ReplyDeleteUpon review, Group 23 agreed that the situation has also been experienced first hand by each member of the group as well. Prior to this writing we reviewed Palmer Student Code of Ethics in addition to Kinsinger’s three virtues of integrity. The answer remains the same for adjusting anyone as a 9th tri student, in that it would violate Palmer student’s code of ethics. Adjusting without proper supervision and authorization is against the code of ethics. Palmer’s strict code of ethics is part of the fundamental basis that supports the philosophy of the college. Palmer sets high expectations for its students and is committed to developing the finest chiropractors. This being said, it would be highly improper and unethical to adjust a friend at this point in our studies as well. Kinsingers first virtue is commitment. Each student made a commitment when they enrolled in Palmer. That commitment was to adhere to the rules and policies set forth. Students come from various backgrounds and learn at different levels, but it would be highly unethical to adjust anyone at this point. As a student, we must demonstrate self discipline and conduct ourselves with dignity and restraint. Our friend may have tremendous faith in our ability, but it would be more responsible to clearly explain our position of refusing to adjust him. This brings up Kinsingers second virtue of forthrightness. Being honest and true and explaining the reasons why an adjustment would be improper and what protocol needed to be followed would build more respect with our friend. Steadfastness, being Kinsingers third virtue is involved here by being true to Palmers code of ethics and adhering to the commitment each of us made when we entered Palmer. Our group believed if we clearly explained and communicated our commitment to Palmer and our studies, this would make our friends understanding of our refusal to adjust him more acceptable. Palmer holds its students to the highest of academic standards, as future doctors, we must all conduct ourselves with integrity and professionalism in our daily lives and at all times.
Group 18
ReplyDeleteThe Palmer Student hand book states “Practicing chiropractic without a license under applicable state law outside of the legal scope provided for chiropractic students (p28).” “Subordinating the health and welfare of the patient and the quality of patient care to the student’s expectations of academic, personal or other remuneration or lack thereof (p.28).” Our group believes it would not be prudent to practice without a license besides possible expulsion from the Palmer program. It would also not be providing the student with the best care they could receive by not having the proper equipment or access to that student’s medical records or treatment plan. Additionally, it would not be showing professionalism, commitment or integrity by not adhering to the dictates laid down before us on our first day of orientation. Furthermore Kinsinger states that “as a professional health practitioner you need to maintain a reputation of being honest and true in thought, word and deed (p.41).” By not keeping in line with the standards Palmer has set before us we are not only dishonoring ourselves but those who have put their trust in us and our colleagues we represent.
Group 4 believes that it is unethical correct to do an adjustment outside a clinical setting without supervision. As Palmer students we are held to a higher level of standards and need to represent the school professional. It is stated that practicing without a liscence is unacceptable and we as students have signed off on this. This reminds me of a book I read called Are you the doctor, doctor by Fred Barge which reminds the reader there are certain standards that doctors are held to. First of if a person wants to get treated like a doctor he cannot be given adjustment in someone's apartment or in a non structured institute. Secondly you have to act like a doctor by doing certain evaluations. This is especially important for the patients safety A doctor has to look act and be a doctor if they want to be treated as one. This is a higher standard profession and this means no random adjustments.
ReplyDeleteThough I support the rules are the rules and this is what I signed up for I almost wonder if this rule is set up to cover legal issues. I wonder how much the earlier students at Palmer practiced adjustments without having a license. I know our society is changing with more lawsuits than before and I wonder if this rule is put in place for this. Just a thought and as stated before I support the rules are the rules.
Our group was split in how to view this situation.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we all agree that per definition it would be a violation af the Palmer codes,
we also feel that what is written down and what the reality is can get mixed up a little.
In the clubs and seminars we practice adjusting eachother as students working with student, and this way it is not a violation, although this too occurs outside of class/college building.
Say a private meeting between students takes place to practice different techniques with everyone setting up and acting as it is in a club setting, but in a private home.
The only way we have of getting better at the art of adjusting, is practicing and practicing.
How are we going to reach our goals as students if the limited time at school and clubs are all we get? We are encouraged to live and breath chiropractics as a students and to become the best chiropractors possible, reaching out to the community around us and socialize as students preferrably around our subject of chiropractic.
At the same time we all know the correct answer to the question wether to adjust a fellow student without supervision; it is not accepted and is concidered a violation of Palmers code of ethics.
But there is a big leap from adjusting family members, friends and other people outside of the college society, in other words acting in the role of a real chiropractic without a license, to practicing on fellow students in a consensual situation.
But the other point of view is that when we know the accepted rules and are also aware of all the risk in adjusting incorrectly or missing a subluxation, why would we take a risk like that especially so late in our education where we can run the liability of loosing our chance of ever reaching the goal of becoming a licensed chiropractor.
The integrity of being a Palmer student is challenged in this situation, and also the responsibility of representing the chiropractic profession in general as a legitimate medical occupation.
Group 19
ReplyDeleteAfter discussing this topic within the group, we believe that both students were at fault in this particular case. The student who asked the other to perform an adjustment should have known or been aware of the commitment that they both agreed to in the beginning of their Chiropractic education. In the student handbook it specifically states that “students can perform an adjustment on other students in the schools labs only under the supervision of a faculty member that holds an active license to practice chiropractic in the state of the relevant campus” (page 80). It also talks about the specific procedures needed to be followed in order for a student to be adjusted. An example would be the signing of an informed consent. Since these students were in an apartment and under no supervision of a licensed chiropractor as well as not following the specific protocols then both students would be violating rules.
Kinsinger has a virtue of commitment. We all signed a commitment form and thus we are agreed to follow and commit ourselves to the chiropractic oath. By giving our commitment we are to act professional right from the start. If the student were to give the adjustment he would not be taking his oath seriously and therefore acting unprofessional. The student asking for the adjustment and saying that supervision is not needed is also acting unprofessional because he knows the student is not licensed and therefore is unable to perform an adjustment without correct supervision. Kinsinger also speaks about forthrightness. The student would not be honest to himself, his profession, or the other student. He may think he knows what he is doing100% however he is not licensed; he still has more education to go through. Both of these students would not be loyal to themselves or others. Students should respect the oath and follow it in order to be faithful to our school, profession, colleagues, and future patients both for our safety and theirs.
Group 14
ReplyDeleteGroup 14 discussed this situation. All members entirely disagree with adjusting other people without supervision and authorization. We have a responsibility of proper patient care as a chiropractor and we also have a right to get the best treatments from a chiropractor. If we were in 9th-tri student in palmer college we would know how to adjust patients. However we have to know that we still are students and have no certification. Adjusting with no authotization out of clinic is a violation of our student ethics code. And also an indiscreet adjustment can cause other problems like physical pain. We have to be honest and trustworthy in the patient care. We are also able to find similar comment that "as a professional health practitioner you need to maintain a reputation of being honest and true in thought, word and deed(p.41. Why chiropractor is a doctor? As I mentioned before, we have the right to provide proper treatment to every patient as a prfessional doctor of chiropactor.