TEACHING ETHICS IN PSYCHIATRY - A PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING APPROACH

During the last two decades, the teaching of ethics in the field of me dicine, particularly in psychiatry, has become the subject of increase d attention. For this type of training to be effective, it should be p ractical (as opposed to theoretical), focused on the decision-making p rocess (ns opposed to the rote learning of concepts), and, eventually, self-directed. This article suggests that a problem-based learning ap proach is an ideal method for reaching these goals. A case illustratio n is presented to underscore the effectiveness of the method, as well as a rationale for its use. This article will assist psychiatric educa tors in becoming familiar with this approach and will encourage them t o use this method in their training programs.