Ethics

Question 1

Define values.

Answer 1

Concepts/ideals that give meaning to an indiviidual’s life and provide the framework for them to make decisions/carry out actions

Question 2

Define morals.

Answer 2

The standards of right and wrong

Question 3

What are ethics?

Answer 3

The branch of philosophy that deals with the moral dimension of human life

Question 4

What is accountability?

Answer 4

The readiness to give an explanation or justification for judgements, intentions, acts or omissions

Question 5

What is utilitarianism?

Answer 5

Concerned with ends not means
A person should always act in such a way that will produce more good or benefit than disadvantage
Can potentially justify doing harm to few people if society benefits as a whole

Question 6

What is deontology?

Answer 6

Considers actions not outcomes
Universal moral rules that it is our duty to follow, regardless of consequences
Always treat human beings as ends in themselves, never merely means to someone else’s ends

Question 7

Who developed with bio-ethical approach based on moral principles?

Answer 7

Beauchamp and Childress

Question 8

Define autonomy.

Answer 8

Freedom to exist, think, act and communicate

Question 9

What is Paternalism?

Answer 9

Making decisions for a person, thus ignoring their autonomy

Question 10

Define beneficence.

Answer 10

Principle of doing what is best for the patient

Preventing harm from occurring and removing conditions that may cause harm

Question 11

Define non-malificence.

Answer 11

One ought not to inflict harm/evil
Acts with double effect, act must be good or at least morally neutral, independent of its consequences
Good effect must outweigh the bad effect

Question 12

What is justice?

Answer 12

Being fair but not necessarily equal, awarding what is due

Question 13

What is fidelity?

Answer 13

Trust and truthfulness, keeping promises, honouring commitments

Question 14

What is consent?

Answer 14

To express willingness, give permission or agree

Question 15

What is valid consent?

Answer 15

Having the capacity to give consent for a decision, acting voluntarily

Question 16

What is explicit (express) consent?

Answer 16

Written consent- evidence of consent providing it was valid

Verbal consent- necessary in situations where someone is unable to give written consent

Question 17

Give an example of implied consent.

Answer 17

I.e. holding out arm for blood pressure to be taken

Question 18

What are the criteria for assessing capacity?

Answer 18

The person making an informed decision should be able to understand the information provide, retain it, believe it, weigh it in the balance to make a choice and communicate the decision

Question 19

What is battery?

Answer 19

Intentional harmful or offensive contact

Question 20

What civil law about negligence should be considered?

Answer 20

Higher standard of consent necessary to avoid negligence claim
Material or significant risk must be disclosed and patient’s questions answered truthfully

Question 21

What are the 5 key principles around decision making in the Mental Capacity Act?

Answer 21

A presumption of capacity
Individual supported to make their own decision
Unwise decisions accepted
Best interests
Least restrictive option

Question 22

In what circumstances may a person make decisions on behalf of someone else?

Answer 22

In their best interests
A person with lasting powers of attorney
Doctrine of necessity for emergency treatment

Question 23

What is the court of protection?

Answer 23

Referral to court of protection may be necessary where a patient lacks capacity and ruling is required on the lawfulness of a procedure

Question 24

What constitutes as Gillick competent?

Answer 24

Used to establish child’s ability to give consent allowing them to demonstrate that they have capacity

Question 25

What does Gillick competence mean for decision making?

Answer 25

Parent cannot override a Gillick competent patient but may act for a child who is not Gillick competent

Question 26

When may a parent override a Gillick competent child?

Answer 26

Consent treated differently to refusal | Parent may overrule refusal to allow adolescent to receive treatment in their best interests

Question 27

What is an Advanced Decision?

Answer 27

Made when a person still has capacity for used if they are not able to make a decision themselves in the future Cannot refuse basic care or compulsory treatment under mental health laws

Question 28

What is a doctrine of necessity?

Answer 28

Interventions to be made which are necessary pending recovery of capacity No more than is reasonable and necessary for treatment

Question 29

Give examples of services potentially affected by religion.

Answer 29

``` Contraception Sexual health Abortion End of life care Pharmacogenetics ```

Question 30

What is a conscience clause?

Answer 30

Consideration of obligations as a pharmacist versus obligation to religion OR right to obtain service versus refusal to meet an obligation

Question 31

What are the principles of duty of confidentiality?

Answer 31

Vital part of relationship between pharmacy professional and person under their care Legal duty

Question 32

Give a justification for keeping confidence from both utilitarian and autonomic views?

Answer 32

Utilitarian argument- keeping confidence maximises happiness | Autonomy argument- control over personal information

Question 33

Give an example of implicit consent.

Answer 33

Consent to use confidential patient data for delivering safe and effective care is implied by consent given for care and treatment

Question 34

What steps should be taken before disclosing confidential information without consent?

Answer 34

Make every effort to get consent Be satisfied that you are required to by law Get the request in writing Disclose the minimum amount in writing

Question 35

Who may request disclosure of confidential information by law?

Answer 35

``` GPhC Police GMC NHS counter fraud Coroner Judge ```

Question 36

When may disclosing confidential information be in public interest?

Answer 36

To prevent serious crime, injury or damage to health | For protection of children or vulnerable adults

Question 37

Briefly outline the ethical decision making process.

Answer 37

``` Identify problem Gather relevant information Identify values Identify options Weigh up options Choose option and justify chosen action ```

Question 38

What are the 9 GPhC standards?

Answer 38

``` Provide person-centred care Work in partnership with others Communicate effectively Maintain, develop and use professional knowledge and skills Use professional judgement Behave in professional manner Respect person's confidentiality and privacy Speak up when you have concerns Demonstrate leadership ```