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

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 and make sure that person-centred care is not compromised.
• Cannot discriminate against others based on their own or the other person’s beliefs.

Question 4

Thinking in advance

Answer 4

1. Inform employers of their religion, personal values or beliefs.
2. Highlight areas of practice that may be affected.
3. Make necessary arrangements to ensure patients’ care is not compromised.

Question 5

Making necessary arrangements

Answer 5

• Patients must be able to access the required service in a timely manner.
• Use professional judgement about what is clinically appropriate and discuss alternative options with the patient (e.g. referral).
• This should be done on a case-to-case basis.

Question 6

Referral options

Answer 6

• Another pharmacy or service provider
• Handover to another pharmacist

Question 7

Referral - pharmacists must ensure

Answer 7

1. Priority is making sure patients receive the care they need.
2. Patients are provided with relevant information to help them access the care.
3. Patients are treated as individuals, fairly and with respect.
4. Record decisions (including discussions with patients).

Question 8

When may referral not be appropriate?

Answer 8

• Service is not accessible or readily available elsewhere.
• Patient is vulnerable and referral may obstruct timely access to the service.

Question 9

Factors to consider

Answer 9

• Work location and range of services.
• Openness between the pharmacy professional and
  their employer.
• Making patient care the priority
• Handling requests sensitively

Question 10

Work location and range of
services

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Openness between the
pharmacy professional and
their employer

Answer 11

• Open with employer and colleagues.
• Work in partnership to ensure arranagements are put in place.

Question 12

Making the care of the person
the priority

Answer 12

• 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 13

Handling requests sensitively

Answer 13

• Take patients into the consultation room.
• Be sensitive in the way you comminute - do not imply or express disapproval/judgement.
• 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.

Question 14

Employers

Answer 14

• Must have management processes in place to support and enable pharmacy professionals to provide continuous care in a non-discriminatory way throughout the opening hours of the
  pharmacy.
• Should be reviewed regularly to make sure that
  these are appropriate and in line with the law.