1. General Principles
1.1 Dignity and Human Rights
All professionals and collaborators at Clínica Synaptica shall respect and protect the intrinsic dignity of each person, recognising that human rights are inherent to all human beings without distinction, including people with mental health problems.
1.2 Autonomy and Informed Consent
Patients have the right to decide on their care, treatment and participation in clinical procedures.
Before any intervention, they will be provided with complete, understandable and accessible information about diagnosis, treatment options, risks and alternatives, and valid and documented informed consent will be obtained.
No intervention will be performed without informed consent, except in clearly established legal conditions that allow it.
1.3 Beneficence and Non-maleficence
Professionals are committed to always acting in the best interests of the patient and to avoiding causing harm.
1.4 Justice and Non-Discrimination
Clínica Synaptica is committed to promoting equity in access to and quality of care, without any form of discrimination based on age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, culture, language, disability, or other personal or social factors.
2. Confidentiality and Privacy of Information
2.1 Data Protection
Patients have the right to privacy and confidentiality of all information obtained in the clinical context.
2.2 Ethical Exceptions
Confidentiality may only be limited in cases provided for by law (serious risk to the patient or third parties, legal obligation, etc.), and provided that the principles of proportionality and necessity are respected.
3. Respect, Empowerment and Combating Stigma
3.1 Human Respect
All professionals must treat each patient and family member with respect, empathy and dignity, recognising the uniqueness of each life story and avoiding stigmatising judgements.
3.2 Inclusion and Active Participation
Clínica Synaptica promotes the active participation of the individual in their care and recovery process, encouraging understanding, autonomy and self-care.
3.3 Combating Discrimination
Any conduct, practice or language that contributes to the social stigma, prejudice or exclusion of people with mental health problems in any healthcare or community context is expressly prohibited.
4. Professional Relationships and Ethical Responsibility
4.1 Professional Competence
Professionals must maintain adequate levels of continuing education, updating their knowledge and skills to ensure care based on scientific evidence.
4.2 Integrity and Independence
Professional conduct with integrity is required, avoiding conflicts of interest, fraudulent practices, misrepresentation of results or misuse of professional position for personal gain of any kind.
4.3 Respect among Colleagues
Interprofessional relationships must be based on mutual respect, interdisciplinary collaboration, and recognition of one’s own and others’ competencies.
5. Humanised Care and Quality of Care
5.1 Adequacy of Care
The therapeutic approach must be personalised, respectful of each person’s values, beliefs, and context, always seeking the best balance between efficacy and patient well-being.
5.2 Continuous Evaluation
Clínica Synaptica will adopt mechanisms for the continuous evaluation of care quality, gathering opinions from patients and family members, as well as process indicators and clinical results for continuous improvement.
6. Social Rights and Comprehensive Support
6.1 Access to Information and External Resources
The clinic must provide information on community resources, social rights and available support mechanisms, promoting the integration, autonomy and social inclusion of the person being treated.
7. Research and Ethical Training
Participation in clinical research and evidence-based practice shall be promoted, always in compliance with strict ethical standards, with respect for autonomy, confidentiality, and informed consent in research.
8. Supervision, Complaints, and Ethical Sanctions
8.1 Internal Ethics Body
The clinic shall have a formal mechanism for the supervision and resolution of ethical conflicts, guaranteeing:
- the receipt and recording of ethical complaints or concerns,
- reasoned analysis in accordance with this Code,
- proposals for corrective measures or proportionate sanctions.
8.2 Protection of Whistleblowers
Protection will be guaranteed to those who raise ethical questions or report violations of rights without fear of reprisals.
9. Evaluation of Ethical Compliance
This Code of Ethics will be reviewed periodically to ensure its harmonisation with current regulations, scientific advances and best ethical practices in mental health.
10. Fundamental References (for interpretation and development)
This Code is inspired by the universally recognised principles of:
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- The International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- Models of Ethical Codes in Psychiatry (EPA).
- Professional Ethics in Psychology (COPC).
- Guidelines on rights and duties in mental health.