Ethical Decision Making

Question 1

Before a pharmacist makes a responsible decision it is important to…

Answer 1

1. Slow down and deliberate
2. Consider the:
   - consequences, constituenties and the options

Question 2

List the steps in the decision making process - will be in the exam

This is important - need to remember

Answer 2

1. **Identify the facts **
2. Moral parameters (ethical principles)
   - Code of Ethics Principles:
   Care principle: health of patient should be the first priority, patient-centred care should be practised and promoted, and a pharmacist exercises professional judgement in the interests of the patient and wider community
   Integrity
   - Pharmacist should act with honesty and integrity to maintain trust with their patient and confidence in profession
   - a pharmacist practises under conditions that uphold professioanl independance, judgement and integrity of themselves and others
   Competency
   - commitment to continual development of self and profession to enhance pharmacy practise
   - works collaboratively with others to deliver patient-centred care and optimise health outcomes.
3. Legal constraints (is it legal or not legal, yes its legal its fine, move ahead)
4. Human values (e.g. trust, empathy, sympathy, loyalty)
   5.** Identify the option **
5. **Recognise Implications **
6. Red Face Test
7. Make the decision **
   9. Justify** (e.g. I made this decision in the best interest of the patient, I made this decision to protect their privacy, I made this decision in equity for other people waiting for their medications)
   **- the most important part of decision making is having a justification that is acceptable and reliable - needs to be decided as the decision is made)
   10. Revisit and Reflect

Question 3

How can we justify our decisions?

Answer 3

Principle of bioethics
The code of ethics
Moral philosophy and theory

Question 4

Outline the principles for bioethics - need to remember

Answer 4

1.** Non-maleficience**: do no harm
2. Beneficience: To do good; best interests
3. **Autonomy: **respect for patient individuality, informed consent, confidentiality, respect for patient refusal or treatment
4. **Justice **