title: Ethical issues in the psychosocial assessment of bariatric surgery candidates.
abstract: Psychosocial evaluation is recommended prior to bariatric surgery. Practice guidelines have been published on assessment methods for bariatric surgery candidates, but they have not emphasized ethical issues with this population. This review outlines ethical and professional considerations for behavioral healthcare providers who conduct pre-surgical assessments of bariatric surgery candidates by merging ethical principles for mental health professionals with current practices in pre-surgical assessments. Issues discussed include the following: (a) establishing and maintaining competence, (b) obtaining informed consent, (c) respecting confidentiality, (d) avoiding bias and discrimination, (e) avoiding and addressing dual roles, (f) selecting and using psychological tests, and (g) acknowledging limitations of psychosocial assessments.
authors.affiliation: University of Calgary, Canada.
authors.forename: Codie R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Rouleau
authors.affiliation: University of Calgary, Canada.
authors.forename: Joshua A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Rash
authors.affiliation: University of Calgary, Canada Alberta Health Services, Canada Kerry.Mothersill@albertahealthservices.ca.
authors.forename: Kerry J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Mothersill
mesh_terms: D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology*; D015982:Bias; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000941:ethics; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D016743:Mental Competency; D011287:Prejudice / Q000941:ethics / Q000517:prevention & control; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000941:ethics* / Q000523:psychology; D024382:Professional Role; D011581:Psychological Tests
keywords: bariatric surgery; behavioral healthcare provider; ethical issues; ethics; psychosocial assessment; weight loss surgery