Occupational therapists are guided by two fundamental values: RESPECT and TRUST.
These core values are as important as the laws, regulations, and College standards and guidelines under which occupational therapists are governed.
Our values relate to the obligations occupational therapists have as self-regulated professionals in whom the public places respect and trust. These values give rise to the
principles of practice that underpin occupational therapy services.
Respect
An OT promotes respect by applying the principles of:
Client-centred practice
- Determine what has meaning and purpose for the client;
- Recognize that clients are diverse and that each client is an individual;
Respect for autonomy
- Recognize each client’s right to make choices for themselves;
- Honour the dignity and worth of each individual;
Collaboration and communication
- Practise as a team member with clients and other professionals.
Trust
An occupational therapist promotes trust by applying the principles of:
Honesty
- Truthfulness is a cornerstone of trust;
Fairness
- Practise justice in dealings with others and within the scope of your work by striving to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion in the provision of occupational therapy services.
Accountability
- Take responsibility for decisions, actions, professional competence and judgement;
- Actions taken by occupational therapists should serve the client’s best interest, by working in a transparent, honest manner and while striving to do no harm.
Transparency
- Full disclosure ensures integrity in relationships with clients, other professionals and society at large.
Professional Boundaries
- In keeping with the standards of practice, set and manage boundaries relating to personal dignity, self-control, professional relationships, privacy, and confidentiality to ensure that the trust a client has placed in the occupational therapist is maintained.
Conflict of Interest
- Proactively recognize, disclose, prevent, and where that is not possible, take measures to effectively manage any conflicts of interest that arise while providing professional services.
The above lists of principles are neither definitive nor exhaustive. Additional principles may be needed in specific situations such as a pandemic or other emergency.