Making professional judgements

Question 1

What is the duty of care?

Answer 1

A Duty of Care may be owed to another, to ensure that they do not suffer any unreasonable harm or loss.

Question 2

Who do pharmacists have a duty of care to?

Answer 2

1) patient
2) customer coming in for advice
3) customer purchasing a non-medicinal product from the pharmacy

Question 3

outline the legal test for duty of care

Answer 3

1) There MUST be harm caused
2) The harm MUST have been foreseeable
3) There MUST be a sufficiently proximate relationship between the parties
4) It MUST be just and reasonable to impose such a duty

Question 4

list the 4 ethical schools

Answer 4

1) consequence
2) deontology
3) virtue
4) context

Question 5

list the four bio-ethical principles which are part of deontology

Answer 5

1) autonomy
2) non- maleficence
3) beneficence
4) justice

Question 6

outline Non -maleficence

Answer 6

1) avoid harm
2) justification for ‘acts and omissions’
3) withholding/withdrawing treatment that is not benefiting patient

Question 7

outline Beneficience

Answer 7

1) promote the well being of others
2) encompasses medical paternalism
3) acting without consent or overriding a person’s wishes, wants, or actions, in order to benefit the patient or prevent harm.

Question 8

outline Autonomy

Answer 8

1) self-determination
2) an individual’s action ought to be the result of his or her own choices
3) freedom to act independently
4) competent adult’s informed decision to refuse (even life-saving) treatment supersedes offer of treatment

Question 9

outline Justice

Answer 9

1) treat similar cases in similar ways
2) same respect to patients in different circumstances
3) distribute health care resources (goods and service) fairly

Question 10

What are the issues surrounding the use of the 4 bio-ethical principles?

Answer 10

1) Determining which principles apply in the case because every principle does not apply in every circumstance.
2) Interpreting the principles.
3) Weighing the different principles especially, where the principles conflict.

Question 11

what are the 7 principles of the GPhC

Answer 11

1) Make patients your first concern
2) Use your professional judgement in the interests of patients and the public
3) Show respect for others
4) Encourage patients and the public to participate in decisions about their care
5) Develop your professional knowledge and competence
6) Be honest and trustworthy
7) Take responsibility for your working practices

Question 12

Describe the decision making framework

Answer 12

1) recognise a moral issue
2) gather all relevant information
3) identify type of ethical problem
4) analyse problem
5) explore solutions
6) make decision
7) assess and reflect