Tutorials on basics of bioethics: an experience with post-graduate health professionals

All health professionals are morally bound to recognize and address ethical issues in their daily practice. Understanding basics of bioethics can help professionals promote autonomy and protect the welfare of both patients and research participants. As part of the Fogarty International Center, NIH, USA, funded "Training Program for Psychiatric Genetics in India," NNM was trained in bioethics at University of Pittsburgh under the mentorship of Lisa S Parker, PhD.

The overall goal of this Tutorial project was to translate NNM's Ethics training for hospital-based Indian health professionals to sensitize them to the ethical issues arising in psychiatric research and practice.

After receiving official permission from the medical superintendent of PGIMER-Dr. R.M.L. Hospital, New Delhi, the program was announced. Candidates with a degree in one of the Health Care Sciences were enrolled. Five two-hour interactive sessions were held weekly on five topics. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the interactive tutorial program was conducted.

A total of 16 participants enrolled in these tutorials. The post-program evaluation of satisfaction for all topics of the program by participants indicated high mean score. The main need identified was for continued refreshing of bioethical knowledge and skills through academic activities.