Ethics rounds: a model for teaching ethics in the psychiatric setting.

Despite growing interest in ethical matters in psychiatry, little attention has been paid to means of teaching ethics to mental health professionals. In a monthly "ethics rounds" developed in a community mental health center, the co-leaders of the rounds visited one of the center's clinical services during a regularly scheduled staff conference to lead a discussion of a case selected by the staff and the underlying ethical problems. The rounds were attended by personnel at all levels and from a variety of disciplines. A survey of participants showed that the program was generally well received. Two cases selected for discussion at the rounds--one concerned with confidentiality and the other with court-ordered treatment--are presented, along with the discussion that each case stimulated. The advantages and disadvantages of the model are discussed, and suggestions for implementing a similar program are offered.