Introduction to Pharmacy Ethics

Question 1

What is ethics?

Answer 1

Systematic study of moral choices

Question 2

What is Pharmacy ethics?

Answer 2

• A branch of medical ethics

- Framework for resolving questions about what should be done in pharmacy practice

Question 3

What is an ethical dilemma?

Answer 3

Morals conflict with each other, often involve choice between equally unsatisfactory alternatives

Increasing in frequency and difficulty due to:
* Professional roles
* Treatments

Question 4

Ethical Schools

Answer 4

Deontology, Consequence, Virtue, Context

Question 5

What does deontology entail?

Answer 5

1) Non maleficence
2) beneficence
3) autonomy
4) Justice

Question 6

What does consequence entail?

Answer 6

• Utilitarianism
• Act
• Rule

Question 7

What does context entail?

Answer 7

• Casuistic

* Narrative

Question 8

What is the definition of deontology?

Answer 8

Actions are performed out of duty or moral obligation

Question 9

Definition of Consequence

Answer 9

Actions are right or wrong according to the balance of their good or bad consequences

Question 10

Definition of virtue

Answer 10

Places value on the moral character of the actor rather than acts or outcomes of acts

Question 11

Definition of Context

Answer 11

Appeal to the context of action to determine what should be done i.e. case-based reasoning

Question 12

What are the principles of deontology?

Answer 12

• consequences are thought to be irrelevant
• ones duties are determined by maxim, principles, rules
• duty of care 1, make the care of patients first concern

Question 13

Basic biomedical ethical principles: Non maleficence Definiton

Answer 13

• Avoid harm
• Justification for acts and omissions
• Withholding/withdrawing treatment that is not benefiting patient

Question 14

Basic biomedical ethical principles: Beneficence definition

Answer 14

• promote the well being of others
• acting without consent or overriding a persons wishes, wants or actions in order to benefit the patient or prevent harm

Question 15

Basic biomedical ethical principles: Autonomy

Answer 15

• Self determination
• an individuals action ought to be the result of his or her own choices
• freedom to act independently
• Competent adults informed decision to refused (even life saving) treatment supersedes offer of treatment

Question 16

Justice

Answer 16

• Treat similar cases in similar ways
• Same respect to patients in different circumstances
• Distribute health care resources

Question 17

Issues with applying the four principles

Answer 17

• Determining which principles apply in the case because every principle does not apply in every circumstance
• interpreting the principles
• weighing the different principles, especially when they conflict.

Question 18

Ethical decision making frame work

Answer 18

1) Recognise a moral issue
2) Gather all relevant information
3) identify the type of ethical problem
4) analyse problem
5) Explore solutions
6) make decision
7) assess and reflect