© 2010 delmar, cengage learning. all rights reserved. chapter 2 ethics in pharmacy practice...

© 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Chapter 2

Ethics in Pharmacy Practice

Jahangir Moini, MD, MPH, CPhT


Overview

• A code of ethics publicly states the principles forming the fundamental basis of roles and responsibilities in specified field – For pharmacists – established by American

Pharmaceutical Association – For pharmacy technicians – established by

American Association of Pharmacy Technicians


Ethics, Morals, and Values

• Ethics – sets of principles of good conduct; systems of moral values

• Morals – good principles or rules of conduct; more important socially than values

• Values – desirable standards or qualities, or rules about right and wrong


The Relationship between Ethics and the Law

• Law is designed to protect society and help it function efficiently

• Ethics are designed to assure adherence to standards, and raise competence levels, and build values


Professional Ethics

• “The profession’s interpretation of the will of society for the conduct of the members of that profession augmented by the special knowledge that only the members of the profession possess.”

• Professional ethics concerned primarily with moral issues and responsibilities


Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

• Authored by American Pharmaceutical Association

• Based on moral obligations

• Designed to establish guidelines for professional ethical behavior


The Patient-Pharmacist Relationship

• Must be based upon honesty and trust

• Patient must be comfortable discussing complete medical history

• Pharmacist must ensure confidentiality of information entrusted to him or her

• Counseling is key to eliminating medication errors and establishing trusting relationship


Patient Advocacy

• Patient advocates can assist with choice of health care, getting information, discussing treatments, and many other areas

• Patient’s health and well-being must remain the focus of work


Respect for Patient Autonomy

• Autonomy is ability or tendency to function independently

• Patients must be allowed to decide on medical care without undue influence from health care providers

• Informed consent requires patient to be competent to make health care decisions after receiving accurate information


Professional Competence

• Achieved over time with continued learning and development

• Involves keeping abreast of new technologies, developments, and latest medical publications

• Measured with specialized testing, (written exams, reviews by peers, self-assessment)


Respect for Other Colleagues

• Always treat colleagues with respect

• Discrimination results in no positive results

• Challenge colleagues when they behave in less-than-professional ways

• Any unethical behavior shows lack of respect for other colleagues


Serving the Community

• Pharmacists are trusted to provide safe and appropriate medications to the public

• They serve their community by educating patients and consulting with them to prevent medication errors


Equitable Treatment

• Pharmacists must always be ethical and moral

• Cannot discriminate against patients for any reason

• Must always follow code of ethics to treat patients equally


Code of Ethics forPharmacy Technicians

• Authored by American Association of Pharmacy Technicians

• Pharmacy technicians should strive to make the care of every patient their utmost concern, and treat them respectfully, responsibly, and honestly


• They should use their best professional judgment at all times

• They should encourage patients to speak with the pharmacist about concerns or questions

Code of Ethics forPharmacy Technicians


Maintain Health and Safety

• When pharmacy technician is physically or mentally unwell, it can interfere with ability to provide good care to patients

• Maintaining good health and safe conditions for themselves and others is essential

• All OSHA requirements must be met and followed


Honesty and Integrity

• Pharmacy technicians must always be honest and immediately report errors to supervisors

• Patients deserve to know the truth even if it is difficult to hear

• Patient dignity is of utmost importance and can only be preserved by honesty and integrity in communications with them


Assist and Supportthe Pharmacist

• Pharmacy technician assists pharmacist with all tasks allowed by state law

• A qualified pharmacy technician assists pharmacists in providing accurate, ethical health-care that is as free of errors as possible


Respect for Other Health Care Professionals

• Pharmacy technicians must be willing to go beyond formal job description to help in other areas of the pharmacy

• They must respect other health care professionals and work as a team for the good of all patients



• In most states, pharmacy technicians are under the direct supervision of pharmacists

• Pharmacist is ultimately liable for actions of pharmacy technician

• Technicians must triple-check every drug dispensed, all labeling, and instructions provided by both physician and pharmacist



• Pharmacy technicians are increasingly responsible for duties that used to be the sole responsibility of a licensed pharmacist

• Important to alert the pharmacist to any discrepancies in information

• Incompetent actions may result in legal action against both technician and company


Respect for Patient Autonomy

• Pharmacy technicians must be able to function independently, show courtesy, respect all patients

• Pharmacy staff must respect self-governance, rights of liberty, privacy, and patient choice

• A good attitude should be demonstrated to everyone on a consistent basis


Maintaining Confidentiality

• Patient information (written, computerized, or verbal) is not to be shared with anyone except approved health care professionals

• Sharing private information with anyone who is not supposed to know it is a breach of ethics and may have legal ramifications

• HIPAA governs the disclosure of confidential information


Observing Quality andLegal Standards

• Ethical standards are usually more severe and demanding than standards required by law

• Courtesy, compassion, and common sense are vital to success of pharmacy technician


Maintenance of Professional Standards

• The pharmacy technician who works to improve his or her professional approach in the workplace will be a great asset to their employer

• Helps them to gain promotions to positions of more responsibility


Loyalty to Employer

• Loyalty – faithfulness or allegiance to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product

• Supporting employer and pharmacist with loyalty is important for pharmacy technicians

• Pharmacy should loyally support all employees


Making Ethical Decisions

• Pharmacy technicians must have a strong knowledge of ethical issues relating to the profession, and balance their own value systems

• Effects their decisions can have on other individuals must be considered

• Long-term and short-term consequences must be taken into account


Identifying the Problem and Gathering Data

• Pharmacy technicians must focus on individual problem before making an ethical decision

• They should ask questions, review documentation, talk to patients and health care professionals, and search for further data for a complete picture of the situation


Analyzing the Data and Forming an Action Plan

• After gathering data, the correct ethical approach must be decided upon, considering all involved individuals

• An action plan should be formed to evaluate all the data and ascertain the various tasks necessary to handle the situation


Evaluating the Results

• After all steps have been taken to handle situation, it is important to evaluate the results

• Positive results that are fair and equitable are always desired

• Proper evaluation of results helps to shape the way future problems will be solved


Ethical Issues in the Pharmaceutical Industry

• Interests of those in the pharmaceutical industry sometimes conflict with other health care professionals’

• Exchange of gifts or money involves serious ethical issues

• Patient’s welfare must always be placed above any other consideration


Ethical Issues in the Pharmaceutical Industry

• Legitimate patient care must be the goal of all medication development and manufacture, not monetary gain that leads to ethical breaches

• No gifts or money should be accepted by anyone because they can lead to unethical decisions, potentially harming patients

© 2010 delmar, cengage learning. all rights reserved. chapter 2 ethics in pharmacy practice...

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