New Code of Ethics for pharmacy is previewed on Society's website
Principles of the revised code
The seven principles on which the revised Code of Ethics for
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians is based are:
• Make the care of patients your first concern
• Exercise your professional judgement in the interests of patients
and the public
• Show respect for others
• Encourage patients to participate in decisions about their
care
• Develop your professional knowledge and competence
• Be honest and trustworthy
• Take responsibility for your working practices |
The final version of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's new Code of Ethics for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians will be available for preview on the Society's website from 1 July 2007.
The new code, adopted
by the Council at its March meeting (PJ, 7 April,
p407), along with the seven
supporting documents approved at the June
Council meeting (PJ, 16 June, p720), will be accessible
online.
The website posting is to allow registrants a month to become familiar
with the new code and guidance before they come into effect on 1 August,
superseding the current Code of Ethics and Standards for Pharmacists
and Code of Ethics for Pharmacy Technicians.
Printed copies of the code and supporting documents are to be distributed
to all registrants with the 21 July issue of The Journal.
The new code has been designed to promote and support the use of professional
judgement, reflecting the professional considerations facing the increasingly
clinical role of modern pharmacy.
The code is based on seven principles (see Panel) that will inform the
conduct, practice and performance of all pharmacists and registered pharmacy
technicians. The fundamental changes include the following:
• The revised code applies to both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
on the basis that the same ethical principles should be applicable across
the profession
• The principles are intended to apply across all sectors of the profession,
irrespective of whether an individual is involved in direct patient care
• The code has been designed to promote and support a culture of accountability
and professional judgement
• The code does not contain detailed technical requirements, as in the
previous edition, but instead is supported by seven documents containing
further standards and guidance in the areas of patient consent, patient
confidentiality, sale and supply of medicines, pharmacist prescribers,
pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in positions of authority, advertising
and internet pharmacy
The Society’s head of professional ethics, Lynsey Cleland, said: “The
profession of pharmacy has developed considerably since the Code of Ethics
was last reviewed. Pharmacist prescribing, medication reviews and repeat
dispensing schemes are just a few of the developments that have seen
pharmacists take on an increasingly clinical role. Pharmacy technician’s
roles are also developing as they assume responsibility for aspects of
the supply of medicines.
“The new Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Order 2007 has changed
the way in which the profession is regulated and the new Code of Ethics
ensures
the Society’s obligations to publish guidance under the new Order
are met. The revised Code reflects and supports modern pharmacy practice
while continuing to ensure patient safety and public confidence in the
pharmacy profession.” |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal