The Roles And Codes Of Ethics For Pharmacists

THE ROLES AND CODES OF ETHICS FOR PHARMACISTS

created by Eliel Takunda Chiponya - FF UNAIR

Pharmacists are key healthcare providers who are integral to the safe and effective utilization of medications. Their role goes well beyond merely dispensing prescriptions; they function as advocates for patients, sources of education, and experts in clinical matters. Pharmacists occupy a distinctive role among health care providers in promoting the best therapeutic results by acting as champions for patients. Medications serve to extend the treatment that individuals obtain during their visits to the doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic into their own homes, and pharmacists are pivotal in overseeing this transition. There involvement is crucial to the teamwork in health care, functioning as a key link between the medical team and the patient to guarantee coherence and uniformity in the care approach. Pharmacists are frequently the final health care provider a patient encounters after being treated at a facility, often one of the most reachable professionals. They play an important part in supporting the ongoing health of the patient.

Below is an outline of their primary functions:

1. Dispensing Medication: This aspect of their work is the most noticeable. Pharmacists fulfill prescriptions with precision, making sure the right medicine, dosages, and amounts are supplied. They meticulously look for possible interactions between drugs and any allergies to avert negative reactions.

2. Patient Guidance: Pharmacists give essential details to patients regarding their medications. This encompasses:

* Instructions on how to use the medication (dosage, timing, whether to take it with food or not)

* Possible side effects and methods for managing them

* Drug interactions with other medications or food items

* Storage guidelines

* The significance of sticking to the prescribed treatment plan.

3. Medication Therapy Management: This entails thorough reviews of medications for patients with complicated medication schedules. Pharmacists pinpoint and tackle possible issues related to medications, enhance treatment plans, and aim for better patient results.

4. Clinical Offerings: Pharmacists deliver numerous clinical services, including vaccinations, blood pressure tests, and cholesterol evaluations. They also partner with other health providers to ensure the best care for patients.

5. Information and Education on Medications: Pharmacists act as essential resources for both healthcare workers and the general public concerning medication data, safety, and management of diseases.

6. The pharmacist's function in ensuring patient safety includes an extensive set of duties. Prior to entering the academic field, I was a certified transitions of care pharmacist, where I encountered the real-world challenges of communication that frequently occur during the discharge process from hospitals. Patients might return to various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, board-and-care homes, or even hospice and palliative care environments. Often, the exchange of information between patients and healthcare providers—and even among the providers themselves—fails, especially in relation to medications and pharmacy matters. My responsibility was to prevent any details from being overlooked, enabling patients to move smoothly to their next care phase.

7. Medication Reconciliation

The process of medication reconciliation plays a vital role in maintaining patient safety. In my capacity as a transition of care pharmacist, I was tasked with assessing medications to spot and rectify mistakes like incorrect dosages, duplicate prescriptions, or omitted drugs. During my collaboration with the patient’s care team, I frequently uncovered issues in therapy arising from poor communication among specialists, primary care doctors, or other healthcare providers. I meticulously examined patient records to pinpoint possible drug interactions or allergies and put in place safety measures to guarantee a smooth transition in care. Throughout this process, I consistently acted as a committed advocate for the patient.

Ethical Guidelines

Pharmacists follow a rigorous ethical code that shapes their professional behavior. The main tenets include:

1. Patient Well-Being: Prioritizing the health of the patient above all else.

2. Professional Integrity: Upholding the highest levels of professionalism and competence.

3. Privacy: Safeguarding patient confidentiality and respecting personal health information.

4. Precision and Safety: Ensuring medication dispensing and patient care are accurate and safe.

5. Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with other healthcare professionals to offer the best patient care.

6. Ongoing Education: Continuously enhancing their expertise through regular education and training.

Pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare teams. Their knowledge of medication therapy, along with their dedication to patient safety and ethical principles, positions them as essential contributors to the enhancement of public health.