The Teaching of Bioethics for the Strengthening of Biomedical Practice and Research in Healthcare Sciences Schools

Abstract

Introduction. UNESCO defines bioethics as the systematic, pluralist, and interdisciplinary study to resolve the ethical problems posed by medicine, social sciences, and life, understanding matters related to scientific progress applied to human beings and their relationship with the biosphere. In 2016, UNESCO, aided by an international committee of experts, presented “The Bioethics Core Curriculum”, aimed at strengthening its teaching in universities environment. The main objective of this manuscript was to identify the conceptual references and multilateral efforts for the inclusion of bioethics in curricula, indicating their relevance for continuous improvement, strengthening of teaching, and research in biomedical sciences. Topics of reflection. Current conceptual references, multilateral efforts in bioethics teaching, national research ethics, bioethics, and scientific integrity policy. Conclusions. Bioethics, as a survival science, is a fundamental pillar for the practice of biomedical sciences. The need to educate and adequately prepare future professionals, opinion leaders, academics, researchers, politicians, and decision makers in aspects of bioethics is obvious, in order to improve and strengthen the formulation of bioethical references in biomedical practice and research in healthcare sciences.