title: Ethics rounds: a model for teaching ethics in the psychiatric setting.
abstract: Despite growing interest in ethical matters in psychiatry, little attention has been paid to means of teaching ethics to mental health professionals. In a monthly "ethics rounds" developed in a community mental health center, the co-leaders of the rounds visited one of the center's clinical services during a regularly scheduled staff conference to lead a discussion of a case selected by the staff and the underlying ethical problems. The rounds were attended by personnel at all levels and from a variety of disciplines. A survey of participants showed that the program was generally well received. Two cases selected for discussion at the rounds--one concerned with confidentiality and the other with court-ordered treatment--are presented, along with the discussion that each case stimulated. The advantages and disadvantages of the model are discussed, and suggestions for implementing a similar program are offered.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001900:Boston; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D003155:Community Mental Health Centers; D003219:Confidentiality; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology