Teaching ethics in psychiatry : a problem-based learning approach

During the last two decades, the teaching of ethics in the field of medicine, particularly in psychiatry, has become the subject of increased attention. For this type of training to be effective, it should be practical (as opposed to theoretical), focused on the decision-making process (as opposed to the rote learning of concepts), and, eventually, self-directed. This article suggests that a problem-based learning approach is an ideal method for reaching these goals. A case illustration is presented to underscore the effectiveness of the method, as well as a rationale for its use. This article will assist psychiatric educators in becoming familiar with this approach and will encourage them to use this method in their training programs.