Developing "Code of Ethics for Medical Professionals, Medical Council of Islamic Republic of Iran"

Abstract

Background: The medical profession has always been an inspiration for human societies throughout its diverse history. This position and historical authority in the field of ethics has had a different and higher status, in such a way that many of the norms of general ethics and professional ethics, especially principles, such as trust, confidentiality and respect for human dignity, have been developed by medical professionals. Developing guidelines of general and professional ethics is one of the inherent duties of the Medical Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRIMC) as a professional organization. In this regard, the Supreme Council of IRIMC has approved the "Code of Ethics for Medical Professionals" and, in accordance with its legal authority, has annexed it to the disciplinary regulations of IRIMC. Methods: A draft document, the result of extensive literature review, was discussed in 27 expert panel meetings and after receiving and endorsing the stakeholders’ point of view, was approved by the IRIMC Supreme Council. Results: The first edition of "Code of Ethics for Medical Professionals, Medical Council of Islamic Republic of Iran" was developed on July 6, 2017 by the Supreme Council of IRIMC. The guideline was set to take effect one year after its enactment. The first edition was revised and completed and final edition was adopted on August 9, 2018 by IRIMC in 13 chapters and 140 articles (original full text is available in the Supplementary file 1). Conclusion: According to the approved decision by the Supreme Council of IRIMC on May 10, 2018, the final edition takes effect as of October 7, 2018.

When complementary and alternative medicine intervenes in the conventional treatment of cancer patients: ethical analysis of a clinical case

“…Furthermore, the provision of health interventions outside the framework of clinical guidelines is also in contradiction with the Iranian ethical codes. The treatments carried out by the traditional medicine practitioners were self-styled non-scientific therapies that violate the codes of professional ethics ( 7 ).…”

“…In addition, providing the patient with a clear and unbiased explanation of the strengths and weaknesses of the treatments as well as their advantages and side-effects in accordance with ethical codes for the Iranian medical professionals is the responsibility of the traditional medicine practitioners that has been violated in these cases. ( 7 )…”

Media codes of ethics for health professionals and media professionals: a qualitative study

“…Although the studies conducted in this field have a desirable diversity, none have examined a set of ethical codes that cover both the target audience (health and media professionals) and the public audience. Some of the best works in this area are: "A General Guide to the Professional Ethics of Medical Professionals and Affiliates of the General Medical Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran" ( 26 ), "A Guide to Professional Behavior in Cyberspace for the Professionals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences" ( 27 ).…”

To use or not to use? an ethical analysis of access to data and samples of a deceased patient for genetic diagnostic and research purposes

“…A similar approach has been adopted in the Iranian medical context. Article 89 of the Iranian Code of Ethics for Medical Professionals conveys that re-using a patient’s genetic information and samples is permitted only by the patient’s consent or for anonymous use ( 7 ).…”