The Role and Importance of Pharmacists

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Questions and Answers

Which action would indicate a pharmacist's potential unethical behavior regarding medication sales?

Enforcing a strict policy on prescribing narcotics.

Selling sleeping pills in excessive quantities without a valid prescription. (correct)

Providing patient education on the risks of medication misuse.

Selling over-the-counter medications within legal limits.

What constitutes a breach of patient confidentiality in the pharmacist's practice?

Discussing patient cases with other healthcare professionals for better care.

Documenting patient interactions in their medical records.

Sharing identifiable images of patients without consent. (correct)

Using patient information to inform public health initiatives.

What role does licensing play in the profession of pharmacy?

It guarantees that pharmacists will always provide the best care.

It allows practitioners to sell medications for profit.

It protects society from unqualified individuals by creating a recognized standard of practice. (correct)

It enables pharmacists to operate without any oversight from regulatory bodies.

Which of the following describes a pharmacist's ethical responsibility regarding electronic information?

Properly securing patient records to prevent unauthorized access. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of a pharmacist failing to adhere to ethical standards?

Legal sanctions or loss of professional license. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of a pharmacist in relation to medicines?

Manufacturing medicines Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes pharmacists as healthcare professionals?

Expertise in drug therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically a duty of a pharmacist?

Performing laboratory blood tests Signup and view all the answers

What kind of knowledge is primarily significant for a pharmacist's profession?

Intellectual knowledge Signup and view all the answers

How does the pharmacist's professional judgment influence treatment?

It determines the best course of treatment for individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which attitude is fundamental to a pharmacist's professional behavior?

Unselfish concern for the welfare of others Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the responsibilities of a pharmacist regarding drug interactions?

Detecting drug interactions Signup and view all the answers

Why is the exercise of professional judgment important for pharmacists?

It determines the suitable treatment based on patient needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of professionals according to the content?

The health and well-being of their clients Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Code of Ethics as outlined in the content?

To assist in difficult decision making Signup and view all the answers

Which principle emphasizes the importance of patient safety in the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists 2018?

Make patients your first concern Signup and view all the answers

What does Principle 2 of the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists emphasize?

Professional judgment should serve the interests of patients and the public Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of a pharmacist failing to act appropriately after a dispensing error?

Potential for misconduct evaluation Signup and view all the answers

What document serves as a reference for the Pharmacy Board in cases of misconduct?

Code of Ethics for Pharmacists 2018 Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for pharmacists to maintain a higher standard of behavior?

To protect and advocate for patients' rights Signup and view all the answers

What evidence might indicate unlawful behavior by a pharmacist?

Dispensing medication without a prescription Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Role of Pharmacist in Society

Pharmacists have knowledge and expertise in medicine manufacturing
They evaluate medicine quality and efficacy
They select suitable medicines for patients, following legal guidelines
They are responsible for storing medicines safely.
Pharmacists formulate and supply medicines
They advise patients on how to take medications, potential side effects and answer queries
Pharmacists are experts on medicines and their use; they act as custodians
Pharmacy is a healthcare profession

Why Pharmacist as a Profession?

Pharmacists possess specialized knowledge to perform duties valuable to society
Professional knowledge includes both manual skill and intellectual knowledge
Intellectual knowledge is key to a profession
Useful services don't automatically make a service professional
Services often require judgment based on available information
Professionals are not defined by good typing skills but professional knowledge

Why Pharmacist as a Profession (2)

Pharmacists demonstrate specific attitudes influencing professional behaviour
Core of these attitudes is unselfish concern for the patient's well-being
Professionals work for the good of others, not just for profit

Why Pharmacist as a Profession (3)

Professionals focus on the health and well-being of clients
Professionals have specialized knowledge patients may not possess
Society expects high standards of behaviour from professionals
Knowledge can be exploited but ethics guide against this

Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

A code of ethics provides rules of conduct
A code helps in decision-making, especially in difficult situations
It establishes expected behaviours from the professional body
Professionals in the field prioritize the well-being of others over their own

Code of Conduct for Pharmacists 2018

The Pharmacy Board has created a code of conduct, specifically for Pharmacists in Malaysia
Created in December 1989
The code sets minimum standards for conduct and professionalism
It helps the board when assessing cases of professional misconduct

Code of Ethics for Pharmacists 2018: Principles

Principle 1: Patient safety is paramount, and concerns include unregistered medication sales, dispensing errors and a failure to act correctly after a dispensing error
Principle 2: Professional judgment must be used appropriately, specifically with psychotropic drugs and controlled items, and avoiding misuse or abuse of medicines by patients, including excessive prescription quantities of drugs with abuse potential
Principle 3: Respect guides interactions including any printed, electronic, or online media, specifically avoiding misuse of electronic means, sharing images of patients without permission, and breach or abuse of patient information security

Pharmacy as a Profession

In terms of image and standing in society, pharmacy can be positive (honest, ethical, high standing) but it can also have negative aspects (disputes with other professions, illegal activities, differences in skills or attitudes)
Pharmacy is viewed as a profession by having characteristics such as a specialized group with expertise, commitment to public service, autonomy in practice and exclusive rights to practice
Objections to pharmacy as a profession often highlight the business aspect of retail. Those individuals often say that practitioners just provide services as businessmen

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Description

Explore the crucial role pharmacists play in society, from ensuring medication quality to advising patients. This quiz delves into the professional responsibilities and expertise required to navigate the healthcare landscape. Understand why the pharmacist profession is essential in delivering valuable services to the community.