Code of conduct in pharmacy

What is the primary purpose of the Code of Conduct for Pharmacists in Uganda?

The Code of Conduct for Pharmacists in Uganda is intended to publicly state the principles that form the fundamental basis of the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists. These principles, based on moral obligations and virtues, are established to guide pharmacists in their relationships with patients, other health professionals, and society. It serves as a public declaration of the principles and ethical standards that govern pharmacists in the practice of their profession.

Who is responsible for upholding the Code of Conduct for Pharmacists in Uganda?

It is the responsibility of all registered pharmacists in Uganda to make every reasonable effort to ensure that everything they do (or that is done under their supervision, or in their name, by any other individual under their jurisdiction) conforms with the principles laid down in this Code of Conduct. The Code is applicable to all registered pharmacists in Uganda.

What are the seven principles of the Code of Conduct for Pharmacists in Uganda?

The seven principles are:

I. Welfare of Patients and General Public (primary concern)

II. Application of Professional Competences (to enhance community and societal health)

III. Upholding Patient Rights and Public Trust

IV. Accepted Standards of Behaviour

V. Maintaining a Level of Competence

VI. Collaboration with Other Service Providers

VII. Compliance with Legislation and Accepted Codes and Standards of Practice

What is the primary principle of the Code of Conduct?

The primary principle of the Code of Conduct is the welfare of the patient and the general public. All other six principles should be read in light of this primary principle.

What does 'Conduct' mean in the context of this Code?

In this code, 'Conduct' means the behaviour, attitude, and character exhibited by a pharmacist within and outside their practicing environment.

What is the definition of a 'Health professional' as per the Code?

A 'Health professional' means any person who is registered as a Pharmacist, Medical practitioner, Dentist, Veterinary surgeon, Veterinary assistant, nurse, midwife, or Allied health professional as defined in existing legislations.

What obligation does a pharmacist have regarding the safety of medicinal products?

A pharmacist should not purchase, supply, manufacture, register, or authorize the use, distribution, marketing, manufacture, importation, exportation, and dispensing of any product, including a medicinal product, where there is reason to doubt its safety, efficacy, or quality, or where a product may impose a hazard to a patient’s health or the wellbeing of the public and/or individual patients.

What is a pharmacist's duty concerning scientific research on human beings?

In the scientific application of pharmaceutical research carried out on human beings, it is the duty of the pharmacist to uphold the sanctity of human life. A pharmacist shall not be a party to any research on human beings unless the research proposal has been approved by the appropriate ethics committee.

How should a pharmacist respond if they are unable to provide a prescribed medicine or service?

If a pharmacist is unable to provide prescribed medicines or pharmacy services to a patient, they should take reasonable action to ensure these medicines/services are provided and that the patient’s care is not jeopardized by unnecessary delays or the supply of substandard medicines.

What is a pharmacist's role in enhancing community and societal health?

A pharmacist should apply their professional competences to enhance the health of the community and society by supporting positive changes in healthcare delivery, being responsive to societal needs for quality and cost-effective pharmacy services, advocating for continuous improvement, and influencing health policy development

What is the obligation regarding discriminatory practices?

Pharmacists should ensure that discriminatory practices are not demonstrated towards any class of patient or sector of the community.

What should a pharmacist do if they observe mistreatment or abuse of vulnerable individuals?

Pharmacists should safeguard society by giving due significance to the protection of vulnerable individuals and referring any cases of mistreatment or abuse to the appropriate authorities.

How should a pharmacist handle expired medicinal products and hazardous substances?

Pharmacists must ensure the proper disposal of expired medicinal products and hazardous substances by appropriate methods.

What does it mean to 'uphold patient rights and public trust'?

This principle means ensuring the position of trust is never abused, treating patients with courtesy, dignity, integrity, and honesty, respecting patient confidentiality and privacy, avoiding conflicts of interest, and not allowing personal views to prejudice patient care.

What is the pharmacist's obligation regarding confidentiality and privacy?

Pharmacists must ensure the patient’s confidentiality and privacy is respected at all times.

How should a pharmacist handle potential conflicts of interest?

Pharmacists should recognize and endeavor to avoid conflicts of interest and declare any personal or professional interests to those who may be affected. Their professional judgment should not be impaired by personal or commercial interests.

What information should a pharmacist provide to patients regarding medicines and services?

Pharmacists should provide honest, relevant, accurate, current, and appropriate information to patients regarding the nature, cost, value, and benefit of medicines, health-related products, and services provided by them. They should also disclose material risks associated with medication therapy.

What does it mean to 'uphold reasonably accepted standards of behaviour'?

This principle requires pharmacists to respect the expertise of other healthcare professionals, accept responsibility for their actions, act with honesty and integrity, report matters affecting patient wellbeing, and practice under conditions that do not compromise their judgment or the quality of their practice.

What is a pharmacist's responsibility regarding information obtained during professional practice?

Information obtained in the course of professional practice should be used only for the purpose for which it was obtained.

How should a pharmacist respond to complaints and criticisms?

Pharmacists should respond honestly, openly, and courteously to complaints and criticisms.

What is the obligation regarding maintaining a level of competence?

Pharmacists must maintain, develop, and update their competence and knowledge of evidence-based learning, which includes engaging in Continuous Professional Development (CPD). They must employ reasonable due care and expertise before providing a product or service.

What is the role of CPD in maintaining competence?

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a crucial component of maintaining, developing, and updating a pharmacist's competence and knowledge of evidence-based learning.

What should a pharmacist do if they are unsure about a patient's needs or require specialized knowledge?

A pharmacist should seek all relevant information required to assess the patient’s needs and, where necessary, refer the individual to other relevant health professionals, services, and organizations.

What is the obligation regarding collaboration with other service providers?

Pharmacists should collaborate with other members of the pharmacy profession as well as other health professionals to ensure the provision of the best possible quality of health care. They should not practice under conditions that compromise their freedom to exercise professional judgment or the quality of their service

What kind of remuneration should a pharmacist seek for their professional services?

Pharmacists should not seek more than fair and reasonable remuneration for their professional services.

What arrangements should a pharmacist avoid with prescribers?

Pharmacists should not enter into arrangements with prescribers that could affect the prescriber’s independent professional judgment in prescribing or that could interfere with the patient’s right of choice of a pharmacy.

What is the stance on discrediting other professionals?

A pharmacist shall not, by words or deed or by inference, discredit or disparage the professional integrity, judgment, or skill of another pharmacist or of a member of another health profession.

What is the pharmacist's duty regarding compliance with legislation and codes?

A pharmacist should be aware and safeguard/comply with the requirements of this code and all relevant legislations. This includes displaying awareness and adherence to code principles, being aware of current regulations, and actively interacting with regulatory bodies.

What is the expectation for a pharmacist's behavior and decision-making regarding objectivity?

A pharmacist must ensure they are objective in behaviour and decision-making, taking account of the views of those under their jurisdiction but reaching their own conclusions. They should not impose constraints that impact objectivity and judgment.

What is the pharmacist's role in promoting transparency in practice?

Pharmacists should encourage others to operate in as open and transparent a manner as possible and promote the principles of the Code by leadership and example.

What are the consequences of violating the Code of Conduct?

Violation of this code of conduct shall constitute professional misconduct. Sanctions may include a warning, suspension from membership, withholding or withdrawal of a certificate of practice, issuance of a certificate of incompetence, recommendation for disciplinary inquiry, or other penalties prescribed by the council.

What is the role of the 'Seven-Star Pharmacist' model?

The Seven-Star Pharmacist model, according to WHO/FIP, describes key functions: Caregiver, Decision-maker, Communicator, Manager, Life-long-learner, Teacher, and Leader. It also includes the role of a Researcher

What is the pharmacist's responsibility as a 'Communicator'?

As a communicator, the pharmacist is in an ideal position to link prescriber and patient, and communicate health and medicines information to the public. They must be knowledgeable and confident, with strong verbal, non-verbal, listening, and writing skills.

What does the 'Life-long-learner' role entail for a pharmacist?

It means that pharmacists must commit to lifelong learning, starting in pharmacy school and continuing throughout their careers, to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date.

What is considered 'Professional Misconduct' under the Pharmacy and Drugs Act, Cap 280 (Second Schedule)?

Examples include: providing inadequate pharmaceutical service, poor pharmacy conditions, advertising dispensing, incorrect naming of substances, misleading claims, improper disposal of drugs, failure to maintain confidentiality, and supplying drugs for illicit purposes or abuse.

What is the pharmacist's role as a 'Decision-maker'?

Pharmacists must ensure the appropriate, efficacious, safe, and cost-effective use of resources. They play a role in setting medicines policy and need the ability to evaluate, synthesize data, and decide upon the most appropriate course of action.