A code of ethical conduct for epidemiologists?

Abstract

The absence of a written code of ethics in epidemiology does not imply that epidemiologists have been behaving unethically. Rather, there are unwritten standards taught by precept and enforced at the level of science (e.g. through funding, publication, etc.) and the courts. The question is whether it would be desirable to have a set of guidelines in written form. Those epidemiologists pressing for a written code perceive the theoretical advantage of one. Those opposed are concerned with the feasibility of developing an effective, enforceable code. Although I do not underestimate the difficulty of the task, the benefit of having written guidelines seems to me comparable to that of having written laws, albeit incomplete and imperfect—i.e. to inform the individual how his or her actions would be viewed in terms of professional norms. Steps have already been taken by the Society for Epidemiologic Research in cooperation with the American College of Epidemiology to draft a code of ethics for epidemiologists. Broad participation in this endeavor will be required if it is to succeed.