ETHICAL AND PRACTICE CONSIDERATIONS FOR BIOFEEDBACK THERAPISTS IN THETREATMENT OF URINARY-INCONTINENCE

The treatment of incontinence presents many unique issues for biofeedb ack therapists that are routine for professionals in fields such as nu rsing or medicine. Although all professional practice is guided by eth ical standards, the unique circumstances encountered during biofeedbac k treatments for this disorder warrant the development of specific gui delines. This is true whether insertable or surface EMG devices are us ed. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to propose a set of ethi cal guidelines for biofeedback therapists. The intended audience inclu des professionals such as psychologists, clinical psychophysiologists, and other mental health-care providers who use biofeedback techniques . These are not formally endorsed by any professional organizations (e .g., APA, AAPB) at this time. Ethical considerations include proper me dical evaluation, informed consent, patient instruction, disrobing, no nerotic physical contact, patient safety, and patient satisfaction.