Religion, personal values and beliefs (new)

Question 1

Legal framework

Answer 1

Equality act 2020:
- Protects individuals from direct and indirect discrimination/harassment as a result of their religions or beliefs.

Human Rights Act 1998:
- Article 9: Right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

Question 2

Examples where a pharmacist’s religion, personal values or beliefs might influence their practice

Answer 2

• Contraception (routine or emergency)
• Fertility medicines
• Hormonal therapies
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Substance misuse
• Sexual health

Question 3

Pharmacy professionals and beliefs

Answer 3

• Pharmacists have the right to practise in line with their religion, personal values or beliefs
• BUT they must act in accordance with equalities and human rights law
• Ensure person-centred care is not compromised.
• Cannot discriminate against others based on their own or the other person’s beliefs.

Question 4

What to do if provision of pharmacy services is affected by a religious or moral belief?

Answer 4

1. EMPLOYER
2. OPEN + HONEST
3. WORK LOCATION AND OTHER SERVICES
4. SIGNPOSTING - colleagues, other pharmacies

Question 5

1. EMPLOYER
2. OPEN + HONEST

Answer 5

1. EMPLOYER
   * tell employer ASAP
2. OPEN + HONEST
   * which ways values and beliefs might impact on provision of certain services
   * Work with employer to make sure adequate and appropriate arrangements are put in place

Question 6

4.SIGNPOSTING

Answer 6

• Another pharmacy or service providers
• Handover to another pharmacists
• Other services provided?

Question 7

When may referral not be appropriate?

Answer 7

• Service is not accessible or readily available elsewhere.
• Patient is vulnerable and referral may obstruct timely access to the service.
• Even if you have done all of your checks and signposting and followed procedure, but no one else is able to provide the service, then your pharmacy must provide that service

Question 8

3.WORK LOCATION AND OTHER SERVICES

Answer 8

• Rural area?
• Only out-of-hours pharmacy in the area?
• Only pharmacist?

Question 9

Making the care of the person
the priority

Answer 9

• Take into consideration the persons needs and barriers they may face.
• Clearly identify options available, do not assume they know.
• Work with pt, coming to an informed decision - make sure they are aware of associated risks.

Question 10

Handling requests sensitively

Answer 10

• Be sensitive in the way you comminute - do not imply or express disapproval/judgement.
• Take patients into the consultation room.
• Communicate professionally and with respect.
• Body language, tone of voice, choice of words.
• Safeguard, respect and maintain privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
• Do not make the pt feel uncomfortable, embarrassed or distressed.