Code of ethics and communication policy for ESRA Diplomas candidates

SCOPE
This policy outlines the communication and ethical standards that examinees must adhere to during and after their exams to maintain credibility, fairness, integrity, impartiality, fairness, professionalism and respect for all stakeholders involved. This policy applies to all candidates participating in the ESRA European Diploma of Regional Anaesthesia (ESRA-DRA) and the ESRA European Diploma of Pain Medicine (ESRA-DPM) exams, whether conducted in Europe or abroad. It covers behavior on social media platforms, forums, messaging apps, and any other communication channels, regardless of the examination outcome.

DEFINITIONS
Candidate: A medical professional taking part in the ESRA-DRA or ESRA-DPM examinations.
Confidential Information: Any information related to the examination content, including questions, answers, scenarios, and results.
Examiner: An authorized individual overseeing and evaluating the examination process. Inappropriate Conduct: Any behavior that compromises the integrity, confidentiality, or fairness of the examination process.
Social Media: Online platforms where users create and share content or participate in social networking (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn).

POLICY – CODE OF CONDUCT

‒ General Principles
Integrity and Honesty: Examinees must conduct with honesty and integrity throughout the examination process. Any form of cheating, plagiarism, or misrepresentation is strictly prohibited.
Confidentiality: Examinees must maintain the confidentiality of the exam content and process. Disclosure of any exam material or specific questions to others is not permitted.
Respect and Professionalism: All interactions with examiners, staff, and fellow examinees should be conducted with the utmost respect and professionalism.

‒ Communication Before the Examination
Confidentiality Agreement: Candidates by participating in the examination, acknowledge and agree to abide by the confidentiality policy, which strictly prohibits the sharing of any examination-related information.
Social Media Use: Candidates are advised to refrain from discussing examination details or preparation strategies that might lead to the sharing of sensitive information.

‒ Communication During the Examination
Authorized Communication: Communication with examiners and staff should be limited to procedural or logistical questions. Any attempt to discuss exam content or seek assistance during the exam is strictly forbidden.
Electronic Devices: The use of electronic devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches, is prohibited during the examination unless explicitly allowed by the examiners for specific purposes.
Collaboration: Collaboration with other examinees during the exam is not allowed unless the exam format specifically includes group activities or discussions.

‒ Communication After the Examination
Non-Disclosure: Examinees must not disclose their exam results or discuss specific exam questions and answers with others. This includes refraining from sharing information on social media platforms, forums, blogs, or any other public or private communication channels.
Feedback and Complaints: Any feedback or complaints regarding the exam process should be directed to the organization through the official channels provided. Public complaints or criticisms that undermine the examination process, especially on social media, are discouraged.
Professional Conduct in Case of Failure: Examinees who fail their exams are expected to handle the outcome with professionalism and dignity. They should refrain from making disparaging remarks about the examiners, the organization, or the examination process, particularly on social media or other public forums.

‒ Use of Social Media
Confidentiality on Social Media: Examinees must not share any confidential information about the examination process, content, or results on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or any other online networks.
Professional Behavior: Any posts or comments made on social media related to the examination process should reflect professionalism and respect. Defamatory, misleading, or unprofessional remarks about the organization, examiners, or fellow examinees are strictly prohibited.
In particular all examinees, staff, members or other persons engaging with ESRA and its functions, should adhere to the below principles
– act always with honesty and integrity, treating people fairly and without discrimination, bullying or harassment,
– treat people in a way that does not take advantage of their vulnerability or cause them upset or distress,
– undertake not to attempt to impersonate someone else or to promote any form of illegal conduct/ practice
– are aware of how their behavior can affect and influence the behavior of other people
– use all forms of spoken, written and digital communication (including social media and networking sites) responsibly
– recognize that if they act in any way that is unprofessional or unlawful through the use of social media including (but not limited to), ‘bullying, intimidating or exploiting people’ or by ‘inciting hatred or discrimination’ that they may face legal and/or professional misconduct sanctions
– will avoid posting personal identifiable data including digital images without the individual’s or written consent of ESRA
– accept that they are solely responsible for the content of all information that they contribute, link to, or upload.
Engagement Guidelines: Engage in discussions about the examination process in a constructive and respectful manner. If clarification or information is needed, use the official channels provided by the organization instead of social media.

‒ Enforcement and Consequences
Monitoring: The organization reserves the right to monitor and review the communication of examinees during and after the examination, including social media activity, to ensure compliance with this policy.
Disciplinary Actions: Violations of this Code of Ethics and Communication Policy may result in disciplinary actions, including but not limited to disqualification from the exam, reporting to relevant medical boards, and future bans from taking any exams organized by the organization.
Appeals: Examinees have the right to appeal against any disciplinary actions through the established appeal procedures of the organization.

Changes to this policy

Approved by: ESRA President

Version Date: 05.08.2024