Pharmacy as a Profession

Question 1

What is an occupation?

Answer 1

Occupation: routinized work, lack of autonomy, structured conditions and patterns

Question 2

What is a profession?

Answer 2

Profession: autonomous decision making in ambiguous circumstances, application of judgment, knowledge, and skills (only our regulatory board can reprimand us for a lack of competence)

Question 3

What is the difference between an occupation and a profession?

Answer 3

An occupation is deemed a profession if it possesses a number of traits

There is no consensus on which traits, but autonomy is key

Common traits are generally agreed upon by all members of profession

Question 4

What are some structural traits of profession-hood?

Answer 4

Specialized knowledge and skills

Autonomy for the service provider

Self-regulation, formal organizations, and codes of ethics (judgement from peers vs. a boss)

Shared ethical values (even if personal values differ)

Professional authority that includes power and privilege sanctioned by the community

Question 5

What specialized information do pharmacists possess?

Answer 5

Pharmacists have an in-depth knowledge of pharmacology and therapeutics, physiochemical properties of drugs and excipients, biopharmacy and pharmacokinetics, adverse drug reactions and interactions

It sis this complex, varied and integrated expert knowledge that qualifies them, and them alone, to make professional judgements relating to medicines

Question 6

What are some attitudinal traits associated with profession-hood?

Answer 6

A belief in service to the public

Commitment to self-improvement

Trustworthiness

Accountability

Integrity, duty, and honour

Question 7

What are professional attitudes and behaviours?

Answer 7

A professional attitude can be defined as a predisposition, feeling, emotion, or thought that upholds the ideals of a profession and serves as the basis of professional behaviour

Attitudes: learned predisposition
Behaviour: actions in response

Question 8

How is payment for services different for professions vs. occupations?

Answer 8

For professionals, the relationship between provider and recipient is not merely nor primarily commercial. Professions have some duty to their patient’s well-being

Professionals are expected to charge a fee. Once this fee has been paid, the professional is expected to serve their patient’s best interests to the best of their abilities

The nature of the relationship implies both a covenants and fiduciary relationship

Question 9

Is pharmacy a profession?

Answer 9

In the past, pharmacy has been viewed as an occupation rather than a profession due to a lack of control over its work (low autonomy)

To truly become a profession, pharmacy must move away from the mere provision of a product (the prescription) toward patient-centred care that may or may not include providing a product

Question 10

What are the standards of practice as outlined by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authority (NAPRA)?

Answer 10

1. Providing Care
2. Knowledge and expertise
3. Communication and collaboration
4. Leadership and stewardship
5. Professionalism

Question 11

Describe the NAPRA standard for providing care as a pharmacist?

Answer 11

In collaboration with the patient and their circle of care (pharmacist) use their professional judgment to make evidence-informed decisions that are based on the patient’s unique needs, goals, and preferences

Question 12

Describe the NAPRA standard for knowledge and expertise as a pharmacist

Answer 12

Pharmacy professionals develop and maintain their professional knowledge and skills. they also practise within their own scope of practise and competence

Question 13

Describe the NAPRA standard for communication and collaboration as pharmacists?

Answer 13

1. Present medication and related information in a way that the intended recipient understands
2. Demonstrate sensitivity, respect, empathy, and inclusion in all communications and interactions
3. Recognize and support the right of patients to have health beliefs and practice different from their own (cultural acceptance)

Question 14

Describe the NAPRA standard for leadership and stewardship as pharmacists

Answer 14

Use health resources responsibly and appropriately

Provide consistent evidence-informed advice about the potential benefits and risks of preventative health activities

Engage in public and community health initiatives where possible

Recognize and consider the effects of the social determinants of health on public and community health and safety

Question 15

Describe the NAPRA standards for professionalism as pharmacists?

Answer 15

Pharmacists must practice in compliance with the code of ethics applicable in their jurisdiction and all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements

Adhere to the spirit and letter of laws, regulations, policies, and other requirements that pertain to practice in their jurisdiction

Question 16

What is professionalism?

Answer 16

A set of attitudes and behaviours believed to be appropriate to the profession. These attitudes and behaviours also must serve to maintain oatient interest above self-interest. Professionals must also display values, beliefs, and attitudes that put the needs of another above your personal needs

Question 17

What is unique about patient-centred professionalism?

Answer 17

This concept builds on the core attributes of a profession and professionalism by more fully articulating the primacy of the patient (In consultation with my patient, what is the best option for them)

The provider is obliged to respect and support the right and ability of patients to make decisions about when and what care will be sought and accepted

Question 18

What is causes individuals to have unprofessional behaviours?

Answer 18

Quite often the source of unprofessional behaviour is self-centredness that feeds a sense of entitlement and an ensuing disregard for the patient