Teaching Ethics in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Vignette-Based Curriculum

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• Ethics is fundamental to medical practice, particularly in child and adolescent psychiatry.
• Ethical principles guide decision-making in clinical, administrative, research, and scholarly activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a curriculum for teaching ethical principles in child and adolescent psychiatry.
• To provide practical tools for understanding and applying ethical tenets in practice.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Code of Ethics as a framework.
• Developed clinical vignettes with discussion questions and response guides.
• Included a teacher's guide with ethical perspectives and resources.

Main Results:

• The curriculum has been successfully implemented in various educational settings, including professional meetings, residency programs, and medical student teaching.
• Learner responses to the curriculum have been positive.

Conclusions:

• The curriculum offers valuable, easy-to-use content on essential ethical practice for child and adolescent psychiatrists.
• The material is relevant to all physicians working with children, adolescents, and their families.