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Lambert de Cursay C, Akliouat N, Karamé C, Gagnon-Lépine SJ, Porteils C, Brière AL, Bussières JF. [Evaluation of the ethics of pharmaceutical practice: A literature review]. ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANÇAISES 2020; 79:446-456. [PMID: 33309606 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ethics are at the heart of pharmacy practice. METHOD This is a literature review. The main objective is to carry out a review of studies relating on the evaluation of ethics in pharmacy practice. Documentary research on Pubmed was carried out from 1990 to 2020. All studies relating to pharmaceutical ethics that may be applied to the pharmacy practice in pharmacies or in health establishments and that conducted a qualitative or quantitative evaluation of pharmaceutical ethics (e.g. surveying pharmacists or pharmacy students, using a measurement tool, quantifying or qualifying a perception or behaviour) were included. RESULTS The studies come mainly from Anglo-Saxon countries (29/38). Studies related to pharmacy practice, mainly target pharmacists (n=27) and pharmacy students (n=16), and more often have a quantitative component of (n=28). The main ethical dilemmas observed dealt with emergency oral contraception (EOC), voluntary termination of pregnancy with drugs, euthanasia, commercial practices of the pharmaceutical industry, refusal to dispense a prescription in a broader context and plagiarism or dishonesty in academic settings. CONCLUSION Few studies have been conducted on the review of ethics of pharmacy practices from 1990 to 2020. Pharmacy students and practicing pharmacists are regularly exposed to ethical dilemmas and respond to these dilemmas with due consideration, taking into account six principles, eight values and other factors. Exposure to these dilemmas creates inaction, stress and distress. A few possible solutions have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lambert de Cursay
- Unité de recherche en pratique pharmaceutique, département de pharmacie, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5 Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - N Akliouat
- Unité de recherche en pratique pharmaceutique, département de pharmacie, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5 Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - C Karamé
- Unité de recherche en pratique pharmaceutique, département de pharmacie, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5 Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - S-J Gagnon-Lépine
- Unité de recherche en pratique pharmaceutique, département de pharmacie, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5 Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - C Porteils
- Unité de recherche en pratique pharmaceutique, département de pharmacie, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5 Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - A-L Brière
- Unité de recherche en pratique pharmaceutique, département de pharmacie, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5 Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - J-F Bussières
- Unité de recherche en pratique pharmaceutique, département de pharmacie, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175, chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1C5 Montréal, Québec, Canada; Faculté de pharmacie, université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Woods P, Schindel TJ, King MA, Mey A. Pharmacy practice in the domain of assisted dying: A mapping review of the literature. Res Social Adm Pharm 2020; 16:267-276. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Isaac S, McLachlan A, Chaar B. Australian pharmacists' perspectives on physician-assisted suicide (PAS): thematic analysis of semistructured interviews. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028868. [PMID: 31666261 PMCID: PMC6830588 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate Australian pharmacists' views about their role in physician-assisted suicide (PAS), their ethical and legal concerns and overall thoughts about PAS in pharmacy. DESIGN Semistructured interviews of pharmacists incorporating a previously validated vignette and thematic analysis. SETTING Australia (face to face or phone call). PARTICIPANTS 40 Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency registered pharmacists, majority women (65%) with varied experiences in community, hospital, industry, academia, government and other fields. RESULTS Emergent themes from the interviews were: legal and logistical framework, ethical framework, training and guidance and healthcare budget. More than half the participants supported the role of pharmacists in the supply of medicines for PAS, while less than half were either against or unsure of the legislation of PAS in Australia. Shared concerns included transparency of prescribing practices and identification of authorised physicians involved in PAS, which were consistent with existing literature. Religious faith, emotion and professional autonomy were key indicators for the implementation of conscientious objection to the supply of medicines in PAS. Re-evaluation of current guidelines, pharmacist training and government reimbursement was also of significance from participants' perspectives. CONCLUSION This study revealed current concerns of practising pharmacists in Australia, including previously undocumented perspectives on the pharmacoeconomic impact of and barriers relating to PAS. The need for training of all healthcare professionals involved, the provision of clear guidelines, including regulation around storage, administration and disposal of medicines dispensed for PAS and the updating of current therapeutic guidelines around end-of-life care were all issues delineated by this study. These findings highlighted the need for current and future policies to account for all stakeholders involved in PAS, not solely prescribers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Isaac
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew McLachlan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Education and Research on Aging, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Betty Chaar
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Gallagher A, Gould O, LeBlanc M, Manuel L, Brideau-Laughlin D. Knowledge and Attitudes of Hospital Pharmacy Staff in Canada Regarding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). Can J Hosp Pharm 2019; 72:16-26. [PMID: 30828090 PMCID: PMC6391242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that it was unconstitutional to prohibit physicians from assisting in a patient's consensual death, thereby setting the groundwork for the legalization of medical assistance in dying (MAiD). Much of the research on this topic has focused on physicians, although other health care professionals will be involved in the process, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy assistants. In many provinces, the medications required for MAiD will be dispensed from hospital pharmacies, which will result in direct involvement of hospital pharmacy staff. OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of hospital pharmacy staff in Canada regarding MAiD. The secondary objective was to determine the factors that might influence those opinions. METHODS A 34-question web-based survey was available for 6 weeks during early 2017 to hospital pharmacy staff throughout Canada. For most questions, responses were based on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree". Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 1040 valid survey responses were received: 607 from pharmacists, 273 from pharmacy technicians, and 160 from pharmacy assistants. Most respondents were supportive of MAiD; however, nearly all respondents (99% [601/607] of pharmacists, 73% [315/431] of technicians and assistants]) reported lacking comprehensive education on the topic. Despite high levels of overall support, pharmacists tended to be less supportive of MAiD than pharmacy technicians or assistants. Factors that influenced opinions included strong religious beliefs, region, and knowledge of provincial and federal legislation. CONCLUSIONS The majority of respondents, particularly technicians and assistants, were supportive of MAiD, but most respondents lacked education about the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Gallagher
- , BSc(Bio/Psych), BSc(Pharm), ACPR, was, at the time of this study, a Pharmacy Resident at Horizon Health Network, Moncton, New Brunswick. She is now a pharmacist with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, Sydney, Nova Scotia
| | - Odette Gould
- , PhD, is a full professor in the Department of Psychology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, and an Adjunct Research Scientist with Horizon Health Network
| | - Michael LeBlanc
- , BSc(Chem), BSc(Pharm), PharmD, FCSHP, is Clinical Pharmacy Manager and Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Oncology with Horizon Health Network, Moncton, New Brunswick
| | - Leslie Manuel
- , BSc(Pharm), ACPR, PharmD, is Clinical Pharmacy Manager and Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Emergency Medicine with Horizon Health Network, Moncton, New Brunswick
| | - Diane Brideau-Laughlin
- , BSc(Pharm), MSc(HTA), FCSHP, was, at the time of this study, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Oncology and Palliative Care with Horizon Health Network, Moncton, New Brunswick. She has since retired
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Verweel L, Rosenberg-Yunger ZRS, Movahedi T, Malek AH. Medical assistance in dying: Examining Canadian pharmacy perspectives using a mixed-methods approach. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2018. [PMID: 29531630 PMCID: PMC5843112 DOI: 10.1177/1715163518754917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Canada legalized assisted dying with the passing of Bill C-14, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), in June 2016. This legislation has implications for health care professionals participating in MAiD. This research aims to understand the effect that MAiD has on pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Canada. Methods: We conducted a thematic document analysis of pharmacy guidelines, position statements and standards of practice from pharmacy regulatory authorities across Canada. In addition, the Ontario Pharmacists Association surveyed its members (including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students) about their perceptions of MAiD. Results: Our thematic analysis of the reviewed documents resulted in 3 major themes: pharmacists’ role in quality assurance, practice considerations when implementing MAiD and resources for pharmacy staff involved in MAiD. Survey responses illustrated that most (68%) pharmacy staff would dispense MAiD medications. Nonetheless, many respondents perceived that they lacked knowledge or comfort with different aspects of the MAiD process. Overall, 80% of participants reported a desire for professional development about MAiD. Conclusion: Despite the rapidly changing landscape surrounding medical assistance in dying within the past year, most pharmacy regulatory authorities have provided direction and resources to their pharmacists. Ontario pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are willing to dispense MAiD medications; however, additional support in the form of professional development may be necessary based on participants’ desire for education coupled with their perceived lack of knowledge. Future research may focus on the efficacy of provincial guidelines in supporting pharmacists’ participation in MAiD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Verweel
- Ontario Pharmacists Association (Verweel, Rosenberg-Yunger, Malek), Ryerson University.,School of Health Services Management (Rosenberg-Yunger), Ryerson University.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Movahedi), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Zahava R S Rosenberg-Yunger
- Ontario Pharmacists Association (Verweel, Rosenberg-Yunger, Malek), Ryerson University.,School of Health Services Management (Rosenberg-Yunger), Ryerson University.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Movahedi), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Taranom Movahedi
- Ontario Pharmacists Association (Verweel, Rosenberg-Yunger, Malek), Ryerson University.,School of Health Services Management (Rosenberg-Yunger), Ryerson University.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Movahedi), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Allan H Malek
- Ontario Pharmacists Association (Verweel, Rosenberg-Yunger, Malek), Ryerson University.,School of Health Services Management (Rosenberg-Yunger), Ryerson University.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Movahedi), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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Kodaka M, Inagaki M, Yamada M. Factors Associated With Attitudes Toward Suicide. CRISIS 2013; 34:420-7. [DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pharmacists could play a significant role in providing care for suicidal individuals. Previous studies reported that gatekeeper attitudes toward suicide could affect caregiving behaviors toward people at risk for suicide. Nevertheless, only few studies have examined the attitudes of pharmacists toward suicide. Aims: This study explores the factors associated with the attitudes of pharmacists toward suicide. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire and written explanation of the study were mailed to 541 pharmacists who had registered for the Board Certified Psychiatry Pharmacy Specialist Seminar in Tokyo, Japan. A Japanese version of the Attitudes Toward Suicide questionnaire was used to assess participant attitudes toward suicide. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to assess relationships between participant attitudes toward suicide as well as demographics, occupational, and personal factors. Results: Participants who had previously received suicide-related education were more likely to have positive attitudes toward suicide prevention. Conversely, those with a lifetime history of suicidal thoughts had more permissive attitudes toward one’s right to commit suicide. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that pharmacist suicide prevention training programs should aim to alter permissiveness attitudes of trainees toward suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manami Kodaka
- Center for Suicide Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Inagaki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko Yamada
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
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