The decision-making process requires ethics that should transfer over into clinical practice (Cook & Hussey, 2015). Various considerations regarding ethical decision-making include proper assessment of clients in order to determined appropriate recommendations for AT. 

One must consider that AT services are given to those with disabilities in a cost-effective manner(Cook & Hussey, 2015). With client-centered practice being at the core of occupational therapy, ethics should be greatly considered when determining the best AT for client.

 It is important to receive consent when working with clients, as well as selecting the best products based on the client’s specific needs and desires, not solely on a practitioner’s personal opinion.

References

Cook, A., & Hussey, S. (2015). Ethical issues in assistive technology. In A. Cook & S. Hussey (Eds.), Assistive technologies: Principles and practice (pp. 1-15). St. Louis: Mosby-Elsevier.

At a hospital or SNF or when working with adults versus children will require different considerations from the client and practitioner in determining specific needs and uses for AT. Because of this, I believe the ethical risks will vary based on setting, as well as population.

Reference

Cook, A., & Hussey, S (2015). Principles of assistive technology: Introducing the human activity assistive technology model. In A. Cook & S. Hussey (Eds.), Assistive technologies: Principles and practice (pp. 1-15). St. Louis: Mosby-Elsevier.

Reference

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). (2015). The role of occupational therapy in providing assistive technology devices and services. Retrieved from https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Professionals/RDP/assistive-technology.aspx