Honoring DEI Requires a New Ethic and a New Science

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychiatry
• Social Justice
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• Marginalized groups in forensic psychiatry have historically faced neglect and inequitable outcomes.
• Systemic change necessitates both conceptual and practical efforts from institutions and individuals.
• Addressing historical disadvantages is crucial for improving patient dignity and overall results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the need for systemic change in forensic psychiatry.
• To advocate for improved experiences and outcomes for marginalized populations.
• To propose frameworks for professional ethics and research to guide these improvements.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on professional ethics and research in forensic psychiatry.
• Analysis of traditional precepts and their evolution towards human rights and social purpose.
• Identification of necessary improvements in research design, sampling, and inequity assessment.

Main Results:

• Current professional ethics can be advanced to incorporate dignity, social purpose, truth, and human rights.
• Research methodologies need enhancement for better sample representativeness and inequity assessment.
• Quality improvement and academic research require updated survey construction.

Conclusions:

• Responding to forensic inequity demands a "new ethic" and a "new science."
• Integrating updated ethical considerations and research practices is essential for systemic change.
• Improvements in forensic psychiatry will enhance the personhood and dignity of neglected individuals.