Analysis of Pharmacy Code of Ethics

Each occupation has a set of ethical codes and standards which they must adhere to in order to reach maximum trust and maintain professional relationships with their customer or client. Breach of the defined code will result in damage of client’s trust, trustworthiness in one’s ability to work in their environment with a non- unbiased view etc. A Pharmacist’s main objective is to offer and help patients in making the best judgment concerning their use of medication; anything that jeopardizes the ethical code should be acknowledged and handled accordingly.

In a Drug store occupation there are eight ethical codes of which 5 I will talk about; the first is to appreciate the relationship borders between a client and a pharmacist (US Pharm D). There may arise cases where one wants to be unbiased and voice an opinion that does not fit the function of a pharmacist, constantly keep in mind that it’s a professional relationship despite how close one is to the patients outside of work; being unbiased makes it easier to rationally offer an answer.

In regard to this code, a pharmacist’s primary objective is to keep the trust of the client which goes both methods; trust that the client has listened and understood making use of the medication and will continually utilize it the ideal manner, and in turn the patient trusts that you have provided to the finest of your understanding the most appropriate medication. The theory that finest fits the image represented by this code is Kant’s theory, “to constantly treat others as an end to themselves and never merely as ways”, this implies that a pharmacist isn’t promoting a particular drug and totally overlooking his persistence health and terminating clients overall trust.

The pharmacist should in no other way lie to the patient while offering treatment even if their intent was for excellent. According to Kant’s theory great outcomes never ever make an action morally right. Promoting the health and wellbeing of every patient in a caring compassionate and personal way is the secondary code of ethics (United States Pharm D).

Emphasis on this code is on full responsibility of the patient and no other; to offer compassion and treat them in a private manner while maintaining patient’s dignity. Principle of beneficence provides a clear justification of this code in the state that advocates promotion for patient’s welfare. Signing up in a healthcare profession like pharmacy doesn’t requires extreme sacrifices with regard to the patient like a surgeon would; here there is no absolute duty and the act of beneficence isn’t maximized. For instance working in this field won’t require the professional to cancel their plans for a patients comfort. A balance is maintained between the patient’s and pharmacist’s level of selfishness. The third ethical code of a pharmacist is to “respect the autonomy and dignity of each patient” (US Pharm D). The code simply states that a pharmacist will communicate with a patient in such a way that will provide cohesive understanding and allow patient to partake in decision making process.

Pharmacist should allow patient the right to be self-determined as well as self-worth. Principle of autonomy best fits this model and affirms a patients right to utilize self-independence but only if the patient is able to make rational and sound judgment. That being said, if the patients fails to be sensible there exists an exception. The exception is justified by the principle of paternalism, meaning that other individuals who are taking care of the patient will have the right to decide instead and work with the pharmacist. Like all other professions that have a basic rule of honesty in their relationships, so does pharmacy. A pharmacist must act with a conscience mind, tell the truth, avoid actions that will render impaired judgment and compromise what the profession stands for as well as the patient’s well-being (US Pharm D).

This code mirrors initial ethical code of pharmacy pertaining to “conventional relationship between the patient and pharmacist” (US Pharm D); just as the initial code was validated by Kant’s moral theory so is this particular code. Under no circumstances should a patient be misled. This goes as far as to support the patient to be able to acknowledge whether the medication they are being giving is a placebo or not. Also principle of beneficence is in affect here due to maximizing welfare of patient, by telling the truth and being honest there is room for greater professional judgment. Principle of Utility justifies that pharmacist should act in a way to bring great benefit and less harm; again by being honest there is minimal room for error due to there being a lack of suppression of important information and communication.

Aside from honesty and maintaining patients trust, a prominent code would be regarding your capacity as a pharmacist (US Pharm D). A pharmacist has an obligation to stay on top of their field indicating that one must be up-to-date with the newest medication, technologies, and devices. Lack of knowledge will lead to poor analysis and endanger a patient’s health. Principle of nonmaleficence states that one doesn’t need malic to cause harm, ignorance as well can lead violating this code. Remember as pharmacist one must avoid harm and take full responsibility of a pharmacist professional role – in short there is no leeway in this ethical code, its absolute.