ETHICS |
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AAMSE Position Paper on "Ethics"
- AAMSE is a professional organization dedicated to the promotion, research, understanding, appreciation, application and science of Multi Sensory Environments (MSE).
- AAMSE acknowledges that in order for the MSE to become an accepted therapeutic approach a body of solid scientific research must be encouraged, supported and pursued. Therefore AAMSE and its members, in recognition of its ethical obligation will strive to adhere to the following principles:
GENERAL PRINCIPLES:
- MSE facilities will make an effort to identify key area stakeholders (schools, support, advocacy groups, universities, clinics) and strive to educate them regarding the goals and missions of the MSE.
- Participants, families and professionals using or referring MSE services will receive an educational orientation as to the goals and objectives and procedures involving MSE.
- Any potential medical, sensory, behavioral, emotional or cognitive challenges for MSE participation must be addressed by appropriate personnel.
- With the recognition of reality based business models, every effort shall be made to make MSE participation available to individuals and their families without regard to their financial resources.
- MSEs should recognize their obligation of promoting the field of MSE by their participation in education, research and public awareness programs.
- MSEs shall recognize, celebrate and support the vitality and uniqueness of the individuals they both serve and employ.
- MSEs should reflect the best practices of dignity, respect, fairness and equality.
- MSE will adopt and maintain strict rules of client confidentiality.
- MSE staff shall be trained and encouraged to pursue ongoing continuing education in the use of theoretical models compatible with MSE use.
RESEARCH:
- All research must be IRB (Internal Review Board) approved.
- All research, even observational in nature, must secure participants permission.
- Records and files will be maintained in a manner reflective of standards used to insure security and preservation.
- All participants invited to participate in research studies must have informed consent; if the person has a guardian the consent must be signed by them in compliacne with HIPPA regulations.
- MSE will secure permission and releases before using any photo of clients for promotional or educational purposes.
- No claims without peer reviewed research will be made as to any therapeutic outcomes.
ROOM:
- MSE installations will address and adhere to safety and health practices (including fire safety, sanitizing of equipment, mats, etc., local codes relating to construction, electrical, etc.)
- Periodic inspection of equipment and support devices shall be made and records of inspections and restorative work recorded. Records should be made available to interested parties.
- MSEs will maintain records of any critical incidents and evaluate them for the purpose of preventing future incidents.
- MSEs will provide supervision adequate to insure safety of participants in all room activities.
- MSE installation will strive to maintain an interdisciplinary team to oversee its operations.
- MSE installations will create and train personnel in emergency preparedness (fire, evacuation, power failure, floods etc.)
- MSEs should be designed and built, where feasible, to accommodate participants regardless of their challenges, disabilities, special needs and supportive equipment.
- MSE installations should be mindful of both the potential therapeutic value of the MSE as well as the sheer pleasure of being in a joyous environment.
- MSE should be mindful of its potential to inadvertently over stimulate clients and
strive to address and avoid that occurrence.
- MSE protocol should always allow and encourage “choice and control” (of how time is spent) to the participant.
- MSE should recognize the value of ongoing descriptive documentation and record keeping, and initiate and maintain such data.
- A thorough knowledge of the prospective participant's or patients “needs” as well as sensory preferences (likes/dislikes) must be shared, appreciated and considered prior to engaging in a sensory program.
- Individual goals and objectives (trial, ongoing, evaluation/assessment) must be outlined, understood and agreed upon before MSE enrollment.
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