Abstract:
An emerging literature in behavioural ethics conceptualized ethical sensitivity as a critical part of the decision
making process. Ethical sensitivity together with an understanding of the client, their needs, emotions and circumstances is
fundamental to an effective therapeutic relationship and competent practice. This study appears to be the first to empirically
measure this concept in decision making related to the therapeutic sciences, including audiology, occupational therapy,
physiotherapy and speech-language therapy. A multidisciplinary measure of ethical sensitivity is developed and consists of 12
vignettes that represent clinically relevant ethical issues related to these four professions. The study followed a two-phase,
sequential mixed-methods research approach. Phase 1, the qualitative stage, focused on developing a measuring instrument by
means of a systematic review of the following: ethical codes of conduct; focus group discussions; individual in-depth
interviews; an expert panel review; and public complaints websites. Phase 2, the quantitative stage, focused on implementing
and evaluating the measuring instrument. One hundred participants representing the four professions completed the instrument.
Participants’ overall scores on the Measuring Instrument for Ethical Sensitivity in the Therapeutic sciences (MIEST) were
comparable for all four professions, confirming the multidisciplinary usability of the instrument. Participants were inclined to
make grounded Beneficence centred decisions. Participants were particularly sensitive about the impact of the therapist’s
actions on the individual client, and sometimes overlooked their duty to the community. The MIEST can be used to assess the
ethical sensitivity of student therapists (and possibly qualified therapists) and describe the stage of their ethical sensitivity
development throughout the course of their professional development. The constructed vignettes make the MIEST appropriate
for use in problem-based learning programmes.
