Rehabilitation Therapist Interview Questions

Have you ever encountered any ethical dilemmas in your therapy practice? How did you handle them?

JUNIOR LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

Yes, I have encountered ethical dilemmas in my therapy practice. One example that stands out is when I had a patient who confided in me about their intent to harm themselves. This put me in a difficult situation where I had to balance the need to respect the patient's confidentiality with my duty to ensure their safety. In handling this dilemma, I immediately consulted with my supervisor and the healthcare team to discuss the best course of action. We decided to involve the patient's family and implement a safety plan to address their immediate needs. Throughout the process, I maintained open communication with the patient, providing them with emotional support and reassurance. It was a challenging experience, but ultimately, we were able to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.

Here is a more solid answer:

Yes, I have encountered ethical dilemmas in my therapy practice. One particular instance that comes to mind is when I had a patient who was struggling to adhere to their treatment plan. Despite repeated discussions and education on the importance of following the plan, they continued to engage in behaviors that hindered their progress. This placed me in an ethical dilemma where I needed to balance the patient's autonomy with my duty to provide effective care. In handling this situation, I took a collaborative approach by involving the patient in decision-making. We had open and honest discussions about their goals, concerns, and the potential consequences of their choices. Together, we explored alternative strategies and made adjustments to the treatment plan that aligned with the patient's values while still promoting their well-being. Throughout the process, I maintained empathy and patient-centeredness, ensuring that the patient felt heard and supported. Although it was a challenging situation, this approach helped foster a trusting therapeutic relationship and ultimately led to improved adherence to the treatment plan.

Why is this a more solid answer?

The solid answer provides a more detailed example of an ethical dilemma and demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle complex situations. It showcases their empathy, patient-centered approach, and teamwork skills. However, it can be further improved by including specific outcomes and measurable results of the approach taken.

An example of a exceptional answer:

Yes, I have encountered ethical dilemmas in my therapy practice. One notable case involved a patient who requested that I alter their medical records to exaggerate their symptoms in order to qualify for additional services. This posed a significant ethical challenge as it went against the principles of honesty, integrity, and transparency that underpin therapeutic practice. In tackling this dilemma, I immediately engaged in open and empathetic communication with the patient, seeking to understand their concerns and motivations. I explained the importance of accurate documentation for the integrity of their care and how it could affect their long-term outcomes. To address their needs and desire for additional services, I collaborated with the interdisciplinary team to explore alternative options and resources that could provide the necessary support within ethical boundaries. This included connecting the patient with community programs and advocating for their unique case. Throughout the process, I prioritized patient-centeredness, ensuring that the patient felt heard, understood, and supported. Ultimately, we were able to find a solution that honored the patient's goals while maintaining the ethical standards of our profession.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer stands out by presenting a more complex and challenging ethical dilemma, showcasing the candidate's ability to navigate difficult situations with integrity and ethical standards. It also demonstrates their empathy, patient-centered approach, teamwork skills, and ability to think critically. The answer includes specific actions taken and outcomes achieved, highlighting the candidate's competence in handling ethical dilemmas effectively.

How to prepare for this question:

Familiarize yourself with professional ethical standards and guidelines relevant to therapy practice, such as those set forth by the American Occupational Therapy Association or the American Physical Therapy Association.

Reflect on past experiences where you encountered ethical dilemmas in your therapy practice. Think about the specific situations, the challenges they presented, and how you resolved them.

Consider the potential ethical dilemmas you may encounter in the specific rehabilitation setting and patient population you will be working with. Prepare mental and emotional strategies for addressing these dilemmas while maintaining ethical standards and patient-centered care.

Practice discussing your approach to handling ethical dilemmas in mock interview scenarios. Pay attention to clearly articulating your decision-making process, ethical reasoning, and how you balance competing priorities.