A systematic review of ethics knowledge in audiology (1980 – 2010)

Abstract

PURPOSE : The purpose of this research was to apply multiple perspectives as part of a systematic review to analyse the literature regarding ethics in audiology. Audiologists are particularly vulnerable to the changing requirements of the discipline that compel them to straddle both professional obligations and business principles, creating a ‘hybrid’ professional. METHOD : A two-phase mixed method approach was used to analyse publications. Publications were sorted into categories, namely approach to ethics, author, decade, role of the audiologist, component of morality, and common themes. The sample consisted of peer-reviewed papers cited in MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, MasterFILE Premier, E-Journals, Africa-Wide Information and Academic Search Premier electronic database indexes, as well as non-peer-reviewed papers in the Seminars in Hearing professional journal.RESULTS : The publications were predominantly philosophical, focused on the rehabilitative role of the audiologist, and addressed the moral judgement component of moral behaviour.CONCLUSIONS : Despite the fact that knowledge of ethics grew between 1980 and 2010, this retrospective analysis identified gaps in current knowledge. Research is needed to address the unique ethical problems commonly encountered in all 8 roles of the audiologist; patient perspectives on ethics; ethical approaches; factors affecting moral judgment, sensitivity, motivation, and courage; and cultural dimensions of ethical practice in audiology.