History
The Institute of Humanities Studies in Medicine (IHSM) was founded in 1989 at the 1st Faculty of Medicine of Charles University in Prague. Its establishment was a response to the growing need for teaching psychology and bioethics in medicine.
Mission
The mission of the IHSM is to develop and disseminate knowledge and skills in the field of psychology and bioethics and thus contribute to comprehensive and humane patient care.
Objectives
The main objectives of the IHSM are:
- To provide quality teaching of psychology and bioethics to the students of the 1st Faculty of Medicine.
- To participate in research in the field of psychology and bioethics.
- To provide counselling services to students and teachers of the 1st Faculty of Medicine of Charles University.
- To cooperate with other institutions in the field of psychology and bioethics.
Department
The IHSM consists of five departments:
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy
- Department of Medical Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine
- Centre for Bioethics
- Psychophysiology Laboratory
- Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Counselling Centre
Research activities
Teachers of the IHSM are actively engaged in research in the field of psychology and bioethics. They focus on topics such as:
- Psychological aspects of somatic diseases
- Ethical aspects of medical practice
- Communication with patients and their families
- Quality of life of patients
Teaching
The IHSM provides teaching of psychology and bioethics for all students of the 1st Faculty of Medicine of Charles University. Teaching takes the form of lectures, seminars and exercises. Students are introduced to the theoretical knowledge of psychology and bioethics and their practical application in medicine.
Psychological counselling
IHSM provides psychological counselling to students and teachers of the 1st Faculty of Medicine of Charles University. Counselling is provided in individual consultations by appointment (see Psychological Counselling).
Cooperation
The IHSM cooperates with other institutions in the field of psychology and bioethics. Among its partners are:
- Czech Psychological Society
- Czech Bioethical Society
- Ethics Committees of Hospitals