Professional Ethics and Scope of Practice Flashcards
6 cards from real Doula Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Professional Ethics and Scope of Practice flashcards as text
What is a doula's scope of practice?
Answer: Non-clinical support: emotional, physical, and informational
A doula's scope of practice is non-medical and includes emotional support, physical comfort measures, and evidence-based information sharing.
What is informed consent in the context of doula care?
Answer: Ensuring clients understand options, risks, and benefits before making decisions
Informed consent means clients have received and understood all relevant information about their care options and can make autonomous decisions.
What is confidentiality in doula practice?
Answer: Keeping all client information private and not sharing without permission
Doula confidentiality requires keeping all client information—medical history, birth details, and personal matters—strictly private unless the client gives explicit consent.
What does it mean for a doula to be a 'client advocate'?
Answer: Supporting the client's right to make informed decisions and voicing their preferences
Client advocacy means helping clients understand their options, supporting their right to make decisions, and helping them communicate their preferences to their care team.
What should a doula do if they disagree with a client's birth plan decision?
Answer: Share relevant evidence once but ultimately respect the client's autonomous decision
Doulas can share relevant evidence-based information but must ultimately respect the client's autonomy and right to make their own informed decisions.
Why should doulas avoid giving medical advice?
Answer: Doulas lack clinical training and giving medical advice could harm clients and exceeds their scope
Doulas are not licensed healthcare providers, and giving medical advice can lead to client harm, liability, and erode trust between clients and their care teams.