An international survey of medical ethics curricula in Asia

Setting-Medical ethics education has become common, and the integrated ethi cs curriculum has been recommended in Western countries. It should be quest ioned whether there is one, universal method of teaching ethics applicable worldwide to medical schools, especially those in non-Western developing co untries. Objective-To characterise the medical ethics curricula at Asian medical sch ools. Design-Mailed survey of 206 medical schools in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Ko rea, Mongolia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri L anka, Australia and New Zealand. Participants-A total of 100 medical schools responded, a response rate of 4 9%, ranging from 23% - 100% by country. Main outcome measures-The degree of integration of the ethics programme int o the formal medical curriculum was measured by lecture time; whether compu lsory or elective; whether separate courses or unit of other con,ses; numbe r of courses; schedule; total length, and diversity of teachers' specialtie s. Results-A total of 89 medical schools (89%) reported offering some courses in which ethical topics were taught. Separate medical ethics courses were m ostly offered in an countries, and the structure of vertical integration wa s divided into four patterns. Most deans reported that physicians' obligati ons and patients' rights were the most important topics for their students. However, the evaluation was diverse for more concrete topics. Conclusion-Offering formal medical ethics education is it widespread featur e of medical curricula throughout the study area. However, the kinds of pro grammes, especially with regard to integration into clinical teaching, were greatly diverse.