Revising the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists code of ethics

Abstract

Objectives:

To describe the process adopted by the Committee for Professional Practice (CPP) of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) in devising the 5th edition of its code of ethics and to outline principal changes.

Methods:

CPP members planned, scrutinised and documented the steps taken in preparing the new edition.

Results:

The process, following that used in all previous updates of the code and which had proved effective and productive on each occasion, comprised consultations with RANZCP committees and relevant external stakeholders. Canvasing the views of so many groups was regarded as essential to ensure that multiple perspectives were considered and any bias of the CPP avoided.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was examined with two aims: promoting a robust clinician and patient partnership, and acknowledging the psychiatrist’s advocacy role. The psychiatrist’s duty to be alert to colleagues’ wellbeing and to safeguard respectful professional relationships was highlighted.

Conclusions:

A comprehensive, rigorous and established review process occurred and was carefully documented resulting in a sound and contemporary revision of the code of ethics. RANZCP members will be duty-bound to adhere to, and apply, the code to optimise their ethical standards.