When a client with a spinal cord injury chooses to discontinue therapy, which ethical principle should the OT respect?

The ethical principle that should be respected when a client with a spinal cord injury chooses to discontinue therapy is autonomy. This principle emphasizes the right of individuals to make decisions regarding their own care and treatment based on their values, beliefs, and personal preferences.

In occupational therapy and healthcare generally, respecting a client's autonomy means acknowledging their right to make informed choices about their own body and health, including the decision to cease therapy when they feel it is no longer beneficial or aligned with their goals. This principle is foundational in establishing a client-centered approach, where the therapist collaborates with the client to empower them in their own decision-making processes.

By honoring autonomy, the occupational therapist supports the individual's self-determination, which is crucial for fostering trust and a therapeutic alliance in the client-therapist relationship. In exercising their autonomy, clients also engage in a process of self-advocacy, which can promote personal empowerment and responsibility for their health outcomes.