Codes of Ethics

 

The Science of Psychology

 

Let us be aware that psychology as a science and as a profession is geared towards increasing knowledge and promoting the welfare of humanity.  Indeed, psychologists are expected to contribute to the discipline of psychology and of society's understanding of human behavior through free inquiry and the acquisition, expression, and transmission of knowledge and ideas that do not conflict with ethical standards. 

 Most psychological corporations have a quality assurance program that regulates not only research but also health services.  In Ontario, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) requires all of the health boards to administer a mandatory Quality Assurance Program.  The program, as defined in the RHPA, is to “assure the quality of practice of the profession and promote continuing competence among members. 

The fast pace of scientific discoveries demands that health professionals keep up with the abundant literature and learn new methods to better serve their clients.  Psychologists are required to undertake a self-review every other year, through the completion of a Self Assessment Guide and Professional Development Plan. 

 

  • Quality System:  Practice Enhancement

  • Design Control:  Areas of Practice & Competence

  • Document Control:  Record Keeping and Reports

  • Process Control:  Review of Files & Supervision

  • Inspection and Testing:   Evaluation & Assessment

  • Corrective Action:   Professional Conduct

  • Internal Quality Audits:   Peer Assisted Review

  • Training:   Academic & Professional Activities

  • Servicing:   Provision of Services

  • Statistical Techniques:   Research Activities
 

 

 

 

All You   Need

Is Love

 

 

 

 

 

ISO 9000 & PSYCHOLOGY

 

ISO 9000 is a series of generic quality standards that provide a uniform framework for quality assurance that can be used worldwide for an entire range of technology, from multimedia applications to the movement of goods and people. ISO standards also serve to safeguard consumers, and users  of products and services.   Its standards were developed by the International Organization for Standardization or ISO based in Switzerland and have been adopted by more than 100 countries.

 

Registrars in the health sciences have adopted ISO 9000 standards to ensure that their members provide the best services to the public.   Below are some operating procedures from ISO standards that are reformulated for health professionals.  Let us recall that the Mission of psychological associations is to facilitate and encourage self-learning and enhancement of skills as well as to foster self-regulation through education.  The purpose: how to best provide each member with the tools to enhance the quality of care they provide.

 

The intent of ISO 9000 requirements to document and implement quality systems have led to raising levels of quality.  And, research has been a contributing factor in improving the quality of services and products.  In fact, many organizations have research facilities where services and products are innovated. 

All fields of psychology have ongoing research that contribute to the development of health methods which are compared and empirically tested for their effectiveness.  Research has no limit.  In fact, existing therapies will be improved and new ones will emerge that will benefit human beings.