Continuing competency in ethical decision making: An interpretive description of occupational therapists’ perspectives

BACKGROUND.: Competency in ethical decision making is a criterion for ethical practice, and it is expected to advance with ongoing professional development. However, research exploring continuing competency needs of occupational therapists regarding ethical decision making is limited. PURPOSE.: The purpose of this study was to explore potential gaps and directions for development related to continuing competency in ethical decision making from the perspective of practicing occupational therapists. METHOD.: Interpretive description informed secondary data analysis of professional narratives from a grounded theory study regarding ethical decision making. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 18 occupational therapists. Data analyses focused on identifying gaps and future directions regarding continuing competency. FINDINGS.: Two main themes regarding gaps were identified: "I didn't have the knowledge" and "I don't have anybody." Education, tool development, and ethics mentorship were identified directions for development. IMPLICATIONS.: Findings advance understanding of continuing competency needs of occupational therapists regarding ethical decision making.