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Semin Speech Lang 1997; 18(1): 79-87
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1064064
© 1997 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Ethical Considerations in Pediatric Dysphagia

Maureen A. Lefton-Greif1 , Joan C. Arvedson2
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Eudowood Division of Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
  • 2Speech-Language-Hearing Department, Children's Hospital of Buffalo; Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; and Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
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Publication Date:
15 May 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are bound by ethical codes that reflect professional and institutional commitments. When professional activities involve working with children with dysphagia and other complex medical issues, SLPs frequently must make judgments that have bioethical implications. This article reviews general ethical theories and principles, examines SLPs' ethical commitments, and presents an approach for ethical decision making and reasoning. Case studies of children with dysphagia are presented to illustrate ethical dilemmas.

KEY WORDS

ethics - pediatrics - dysphagia