ROL DOCENTE DE LOS COMITÉS DE ÉTICA ASISTENCIAL Y LOS COMITÉS ÉTICO CIENTÍFICOS

Abstract

The Health Care Ethics Committees and the Scientific Ethics Committees are mainly respon­sible for advising clinicians in making complex decisions, and for reviewing, correcting and approving scientific work projects, respectively. In general, these committees devote little time to teaching and dissemination, areas in which, by sharing their experience and knowledge, they can contribute enormously to generating a culture of ethical reflection, both in the health care setting and in teaching and research. This article examines how both types of committees can improve knowledge and understanding of ethics and bioethics in their institutions, in university teaching and in the community. It begins with a brief review of the milestones that led to their emergence. Subsequently, its functions are reviewed, both from a theoretical point of view and in legislation. Finally, it is proposed in which areas and in what way Health Care Ethics Committees and Scientific Ethics Committees can develop a teaching and community outreach function, promoting values such as respect, care, altruism, rigor, honesty and justice.