Pharmacy Jurisprudence & Ethics: Ethics in Pharmacy Practice

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to ethics in pharmacy practice, based on the lecture notes.

Ethics

A set of moral principles and values that guide individual and professional conduct.

Law

Rules and regulations established by governing authorities to govern conduct.

Fiduciary Relationship

A helping relationship where one person trusts another, expecting them to act in good faith and prioritize the other's interests.

Code of Ethics

Guides professional behaviour and actions, reflecting the standards of the profession.

Autonomy

The right of a person to make decisions about their own body and health.

Beneficence

The obligation to act for the benefit of patients.

Non-maleficence

The duty to do no harm to patients.

Veracity

Truthfulness and honesty in communication.

Whistleblowing

Reporting unethical behavior or misconduct within an organization.

Confidentiality

The obligation to protect personal information shared within a fiduciary relationship.

Conflict of Interest

A situation where personal interests could influence professional judgement.

Conscientious Objection

The right to refuse to provide services based on personal morals or beliefs.

Decision-Making Capacity

The ability to understand and appreciate the meaning and consequences of decisions.

Privacy

The right to control how one's personal information is communicated.

Beneficial Burden

The positive outcomes that can arise from treatment or actions.

Value Conflict

Occurs when there are incompatible beliefs or expectations regarding proper actions.

Professional Misconduct

Violation of established rules or neglect of duties by a healthcare professional.

Ethical Dilemma

A complex situation requiring a choice between conflicting moral values.

Integrity

Being honest and having strong moral principles.

Professional Values

Fundamental beliefs that guide ethical decision-making in pharmacy.

Compassionate Care

Providing care that shows empathy and concern for patients' well-being.

What is the primary role of ethics in pharmacy practice?

To ensure patient well-being, uphold professional integrity, and guide decision-making in complex situations.

List the core ethical principles relevant to pharmacy practice.

Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence, Veracity, and Confidentiality.

How might a conflict of interest arise in pharmacy?

When a pharmacist has financial ties to a particular drug manufacturer or a personal relationship with a patient, potentially influencing professional judgment.

What factors are assessed when determining a patient's decision-making capacity?

The patient's ability to understand their condition, treatment options, potential risks/benefits, and to communicate a consistent choice.

What is Informed Consent in a healthcare context?

A patient's voluntary agreement to a treatment or procedure after receiving comprehensive information about it, including risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Give examples of actions constituting professional misconduct for a pharmacist.

Dispensing medication without a valid prescription, theft of drugs, practicing while impaired, or engaging in fraudulent billing.

Outline key steps in an ethical decision-making framework.

1. Identify the ethical problem. 2. Collect all relevant facts. 3. Consider ethical principles and professional obligations. 4. Brainstorm and evaluate options. 5. Choose and act. 6. Reflect on the outcome.