Ethical considerations often form the backbone of pharmacists' responsibilities, and pharmacy professionals have to find the delicate balance between dispensing medications and upholding patient autonomy. In the field of pharmacy practice, ethical considerations are the foundation on which pharmacists build their responsibilities. This blog focuses on major ethical dilemmas faced by pharmacy professionals in the UK, highlighting practical scenarios and potential solutions.
One of the most frequent ethical dilemmas that pharmacists face is encountering patients who deviate from prescribed instructions. The balance between persuading patients to adhere and respecting their autonomy is significant, especially when noncompliance risks significant side effects. With over 50% of patients facing this issue, pharmacy professionals navigate the fine line between advocacy and patient preference. Also, challenges arise when patients request quantities exceeding prescribed limits, whether due to severe pain or special circumstances. While accommodating such requests may be tempting, strict legal limits exist. Making a rational decision while empathising with genuine pain and regulatory adherence is pivotal. Exceeding medication limits could result in severe consequences, including licence loss. Maintaining impartiality is essential for pharmacy professionals as well. Guarding against personal biases ensures consistent interactions with patients. Refusing to dispense prescriptions based on personal beliefs, such as refusing to dispense prescribed birth control from a qualified prescriber, is unethical. A neutral stance is paramount, acknowledging the significant role pharmacy professionals play in ensuring unbiased care for every patient regardless of their religion, age, gender, race, and other personal attributes. This study, conducted in Kerman in 2018, is worth paying attention to. This investigation aimed to identify the challenges of ethical behaviors in the drug supply domain within pharmacies using a principles-based approach. The research focused on the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, guided by the "Beauchamp and Childress Ethics" theory. The qualitative data analysis included interviews with pharmacy technicians, patients, pharmacists, insurance company inspectors, and other professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. The findings, derived from the analysis of data gathered through interviews, revealed eight main categories and 26 subcategories of ethical challenges in the drug supply at pharmacies. The primary categories included patient privacy, patient independence, communication principles, patient-centered services, drug suppliers, patient harm avoidance, supervision, and distributive, procedural, and interactional justice. Notable subcategories encompassed increasing patient awareness, culturizing prescription, rational drug use, confidentiality, and privacy. In conclusion, the study highlighted that the most significant challenges in ethical behaviors in the pharmacy domain were related to the principles of autonomy and beneficence. The implications of these findings suggest a need for healthcare to emphasize patient independence, privacy, and patient-centered services. The study's results can serve as a valuable resource for policymakers as well, aiding in the development of educational content, the establishment of professional ethics charts in pharmacies, and the implementation of accreditation measures to address these ethical challenges effectively. Pharmacy ethics in the UK are a powerful force shaping healthcare delivery. Pharmacists, armed with knowledge, compassion, and ethical commitment, navigate complex responsibilities to ensure each prescription reflects a dedication to patient care. Reflecting on these ethical considerations underscores the indispensable role pharmacists play in upholding the moral integrity of healthcare, where the pursuit of well-being is guided by principles grounded in compassion and professional responsibility. References: Iranmanesh, M., Yazdi-Feyzabadi, V. & Mehrolhassani, M.H. The challenges of ethical behaviors for drug supply in pharmacies in Iran by a principle-based approach. BMC Med Ethics 21, 84 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-020-00531-0 Written by: Seungeun Cho
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