A New Method for Moral Case Deliberation with Both Forensic Inpatients and Staff: Development and First Experiences
Abstract
Moral Case Deliberation (MCD) involving both patients and staff is often challenging, yet adapted, co-created dialogue may improve mutual understanding. This pilot study presents Joint MCD (JMCD), a new ethics-support format developed through trial and error in a Dutch forensic psychiatric unit. Across ten sessions, participants reported better insight into each other’s perspectives and actions. We describe the step-by-step method, lessons learned, and participants’ suggestions for improvement. Although JMCD shows promise as a joint learning approach, challenges remain, particularly in creating dialogue on genuinely equal terms between patients and professionals.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Ethics in medical practice
Counseling Practices and Supervision
Psychopathy
Forensic Psychiatry
Sexual Offending
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Pages
- 1–22
- Publication date
- 18 February 2026
- Language
- EN