The Brazilian Society of Nephrology Code of Conduct: a bioethical analysis

Abstract Introduction: Professional deontology can be defined as a set of principles, values and rules of conduct to be applied in the exercise of functions and inherent to a given profession. Nephrology was one of the medical specialties most affected by the mismatch between the accelerated technol...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brazilian Journal of Nephrology 2022-04, Vol.44 (2), p.244-248
Main Authors: Ferraz, Fábio Humberto Ribeiro Paes, Rodrigues, Cibele Isaac Saad
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bioethics
Brief Communication
Codes of Ethics
Ethics, Medical
Morals
Nephrology
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Summary:Abstract Introduction: Professional deontology can be defined as a set of principles, values and rules of conduct to be applied in the exercise of functions and inherent to a given profession. Nephrology was one of the medical specialties most affected by the mismatch between the accelerated technological development and the ethical dilemmas resulting from it. Recently, the Brazilian Society of Nephrology (SBN) edited its code of conduct, which until then did not exist. Method: Qualitative study with content analysis of the chapters and articles of the SBN Code of Conduct, from the perspective of principlism bioethics. Results: The four moral principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and justice were found asymmetrically throughout the document, with beneficence predominating over the others. Discussion: The SBN Code of Conduct predominantly expresses the ethical duties that an associate must comply with, but also restrictions on malfeasance, autonomy and justice, anchoring decision-making by managers and including the distribution of possible punishments. It is an unfinished document; therefore, it must be periodically revised, as expected, due to the rapid technological changes, as well as the need for constructive moderation in the relations of nephrologists with each other and, between them, with the Industry, as well as all the ethical consequences arising from these factors. Resumo Introdução: A deontologia profissional pode ser definida como determinado conjunto de princípios, valores e regras de conduta a serem aplicadas no exercício das funções e inerentes a uma determinada profissão. A nefrologia foi uma das especialidades médicas mais afetadas com o descompasso entre o acelerado desenvolvimento tecnológico e os dilemas éticos decorrentes dele. Recentemente, a Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia (SBN) editou seu código de conduta, até então inexistente. Método: Estudo qualitativo com análise de conteúdo dos capítulos e artigos do Código de Conduta da SBN, sob a ótica da bioética principialista. Resultados: Os quatro princípios morais de beneficência, não maleficência, autonomia e justiça foram encontrados de maneira assimétrica em todo o documento, com predomínio da beneficência sobre os demais. Discussão: O Código de Conduta da SBN exprime de maneira predominante os deveres éticos a que um associado deve se atentar, mas também restrições à maleficência, autonomia e justiça, ancorando a tomada de decisão pelos gestores e incluindo a dis
ISSN:0101-2800
2175-8239
DOI:10.1590/2175-8239-jbn-2021-0061