The Basel model of principle-oriented clinical ethics consultation 2.0 : An introduction for psychiatry

Abstract

The effectiveness of clinical ethics counselling in medicine in terms of satisfaction of the participants, support of ethical decision-making, perceived impact on clinical care, moral competence and quality of communication is now empirically well validated. In psychiatry, more and more institutions have structures for clinical ethics consultation as well; however, there is still alack of evaluative accompanying research on the benefits and differential indications of the various forms and models of clinical ethics counselling in psychiatry. The article presents the principles and the step by step application of the principle-oriented clinical ethics consultation according to the Basel model2.0. The article is based on material and procedures developed at the Clinical Ethics Unit of the University Hospital Basel and the University Psychiatric Clinics Basel for the principle-oriented clinical ethics consultation according to the Basel model2.0. Principle-oriented clinical ethics consultation according to the Basel model2.0 is suitable for dealing with moral issues and conflicts in psychiatric practice and for their ethical reflection; however, further evaluative accompanying research is needed on the benefits and differential indications of this and other models of clinical ethics support in psychiatry.