Integrating Behavioral Care into Interdisciplinary Pain Settings: Unique Ethical Dilemmas

Abstract

This paper addresses some ethical dilemmas and related challenges faced by psychologists in the context of multidisciplinary pain treatment. While many of the issues that arise in this context overlap with concerns in other mental health and primary care contexts, some are unique to practicing in pain management. The areas where issues can arise include informed consent and patient autonomy, equal access to care, confidentiality and privacy, termination and patient abandonment, practicing within limits of competence and expertise, documentation, dual relationships and conflicts of interest, and conduct as a psychologist within an interdisciplinary team. Case examples illustrate the ways in which a psychologist can insert expertise in pain management treatment processes to facilitate the promotion of ethical principles in service of the patient’s benefit within an interdisciplinary pain center. Psychologists practicing within an interdisciplinary pain management center face unique ethical dilemmas in the course of their work and assert discussion, education, and action within their healthcare systems to promote ethical principles and benefit the patient. Psychologists can expect to face new ethical dilemmas with the continual changes in healthcare delivery and expansion of roles within healthcare systems.