Ethical Decision-Making in Prescribing

Ethical Decision-Making in Prescribing

• Importance of ethics in prescribing: Discussing the ethical considerations behind prescribing is crucial, especially when self-prescribing or dealing with a patient with unique or unusual needs.
• Prescribing considerations: Identifying key factors to consider during prescribing, including the patient's health history, potential drug interactions, and other relevant information.
• Ethical issues for pharmacists: Recognizing the common ethical challenges faced by pharmacists in prescribing, including self-prescribing and balancing patient needs with safety and professional standards.

Self-Prescribing

• Impaired objectivity: Self-diagnosing and self-prescribing may lead to inaccurate self-diagnosis without external input and compromise objectivity.
• Risk of misdiagnosis: Self-prescribing increases the chance of overlooking significant factors, like drug interactions or underlying conditions, impacting safety and efficacy.
• Lack of documentation and monitoring: Absence of proper documentation and monitoring for self-prescribed treatments makes it difficult to track treatment, potential side effects, and overall patient health, potentially endangering the patient's health.

Balancing Professional Reputation and Personal Health

• Seeking medical help: Prioritising personal health by consulting a doctor is an ethical and responsible action, instead of seeking to self-treat.
• Importance of professional medical input: Seeking expert medical advice ensures an objective and thorough assessment, unlike self-treatment, which lacks the expertise of a medical professional.
• Maintaining transparency: Maintaining ethical professional standards and transparency throughout the treatment process helps safeguard your professional reputation and build trust.

Dual Role Dilemma

• Patient safety priority: Prioritizing patient safety is paramount. Separate prescribing and dispensing functions to ensure proper protocols and oversight are followed.
• Involving another healthcare professional: Involving other healthcare professionals where possible aids in ensuring patient safety and adherence to proper protocols.
• Alternative options: Exploring alternative options for administering treatments that prioritize patient safety ensures that the patient doesn't feel rushed or pressured into making a hasty decision.
• Maintaining professional boundaries: Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial to ensure that care is provided safely, properly, and ethically.

Repeat Prescription Dilemma

• Issue a short-term prescription: Provide a limited prescription to cover the patient's needs until a review can be conducted.
• Arrange an urgent asthma review: Scheduling a review ensures that proper assessments of the patient's current condition, treatment efficacy, and any necessary changes to the patient's asthma management plan are carried out.
• Request access to medical records: Obtaining access to medical records is essential to ensure complete and up-to-date information, leading to better patient care.
• Review prescribing guidelines: Adhering to professional guidelines ensures compliance and safe practice.
• Communicate with the patient: Communicating with the patient about the need for a review and potential adjustments to their treatment plan is essential for maintaining transparency and trust.