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

Abstract

Background: 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 a lack of evaluative accompanying research on the benefits and differential indications of the various forms and models of clinical ethics counselling in psychiatry.

Aim of the work: The article presents the principles and the step by step application of the principle-oriented clinical ethics consultation according to the Basel model 2.0.

Material and methods: 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 model 2.0.

Results and discussion: Principle-oriented clinical ethics consultation according to the Basel model 2.0 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.