Case Studies in Pharmacy Ethics

Abstract

The third edition of Case Studies in Pharmacy Ethics presents a comprehensive series of cases faced by pharmacists that raise ethical issues, with chapters arranged in a manner that simultaneously presents the topics that would be covered in a course on ethical theory. After an introduction, the book is divided into three parts. The introduction takes up four basic issues in ethical theory: the source, meaning, and justification of ethical claims; the two major ways of determining if acts are morally right; how moral rules apply to specific situations; and what ought to be done in specific cases. Part I deals with conceptual issues. Chapter 1 presents a five-step model the pharmacist can use for ethical problem solving. Chapter 2 addresses identification of value judgments in pharmacy and separation of ethical from nonethical value judgments. Chapter 3 looks at where the pharmacist should turn to find the source of ethical judgments. Part II presents cases organized around the major principles of ethics: beneficence and nonmaleficence, justice and the allocation of resources, autonomy, veracity (dealing honestly with patients), fidelity (including confidentiality), and avoidance of killing. Part III presents cases organized around topics that present ethical controversy: abortion, sterilization, and contraception; genetics and birth technologies; and mental health and behavior control. The remaining chapters cover drug formularies and drug distribution systems; health insurance, health system planning, and rationing; pharmaceutical research; consent to drug therapies; and terminally ill patients. The book includes links to professional codes of ethics and a glossary.

Bioethics: a challenge and an opportunity for hospital pharmacists

“…The use of real cases is the foundation for teaching: the majority of the chosen cases were from Clinical Ethics Committees of the training network (brought in by physicians and nurses), but we also focused on international examples directly related to pharmacy practice, taken from ‘Case studies in Pharmacy Ethics’ by Veatch and Haddad 18. We identified examples which, in our view, were applicable to our Mediterranean European context.…”

Capable of More: Some Underemphasized Aspects of Capacity Assessment

“…38 Because patients are considered competent until proven otherwise, persuasion and advice may not be unduly coercive, even when incapacity is suspected. 39 These activities are parts of the doctor-patient relationship as "a cooperative relation between expert and non-expert." 40 The physician's rhetoric and educational efforts can reinforce information and the patient's understanding.…”

Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (2015)

“…The Principle of Fidelity comes from the Latin root meaning loyal. Fidelity refers to the duty one has to keep a commitment once it is made (Veatch, Haddad, & English, 2010). In the health professions, this commitment refers to promises made between a provider and a client or patient based on an expectation of loyalty, staying with the client or patient in a time of need, and compliance with a code of ethics.…”

“…These promises can be implied or explicit. The duty to disclose information that is potentially meaningful in making decisions is one obligation of the moral contract between provider and client or patient (Veatch et al, 2010).…”