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 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.