Development of a professional ethics guideline for occupational health service provision in Iran

Mehrdad  R; Pouryaghoub  GH; Aminian  O

doi:10.18502/tkj.v18i1.21487

Mehrdad R Center for Research on Occupational Diseases (CROD), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
Pouryaghoub GH Center for Research on Occupational Diseases (CROD), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
Aminian O Center for Research on Occupational Diseases (CROD), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tkj.v18i1.21487

Keywords: Medical ethics, Professional ethics, Occupational health, Occupational medicine, Industrial hygiene

Abstract

Introduction: Providers of occupational health services face a broader and more complex range of ethical challenges than other healthcare providers due to the distinctive nature of their professional responsibilities. For this reason, international organizations have developed and published specialized ethical guideline. In Iran, the presence of specific regulations and contextual conditions has intensified these challenges, particularly with respect to confidentiality and the protection of workers’ autonomy. Accordingly, there is a clear need for an ethical guideline capable of addressing ethical dilemmas in the field. In response to this need, the Professional Ethics Guideline for Occupational Health Service Provision in Iran was developed.

Materials and Methods: Following the establishment of a guideline development team, a comprehensive review of the relevant literature was conducted. Ethical codes were extracted from existing documents and aligned with the ethical guidelines of the Iranian Medical Council Organization and Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The ethical codes were subsequently drafted by the development team and finalized after receiving written feedback and holding a consultative meeting with key stakeholders.

Results: After completion of the development process, the guideline was finalized in 11 chapters comprising 61 clauses, along with an accompanying glossary. Owing to the specific conditions governing occupational health service provision in Iran, ethical codes related to confidentiality, autonomy, integrity, professional independence, and conflicts of interest were elaborated in greater detail.

Conclusion: As the first professional ethics guideline for occupational health service provision developed in Iran, this document may serve as a practical and ethical reference for professionals who strive to adhere to ethical principles despite significant ethical challenges in this field. Effective engagement by responsible authorities in addressing issues related to non-adherence to ethical principles in occupational health services may enable more rapid and comprehensive resolution of existing challenges.