Menu

Pharmacy Profession and Professionalism in the Delivery of Quality Healthcare

In medical settings, professionalism is defined as the practice of medicine in a manner that protects and promotes the health and welfare of patients and the profession itself.

This article discusses how professionalism and ethics in the delivery of quality healthcare is a reflection of a pharmacist’s stance in life. Ethics is about being conscientious and aware of current standards, being honest with yourself, others, and feeling and living with dignity.

Read moreThe New Roles for Community Pharmacists

The work of pharmacy is not only a rewarding career, but also a highly regulated one. To be licensed, pharmacists must meet several criteria demonstrating competency in both the practice of pharmacy and pharmacy law. These include being able to interpret and communicate information about drugs, diseases, and their effects, as well as being able to demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to safe pharmacy practices. In order to be a pharmacist, you must also fulfill education requirements that are established by the relevant pharmacy board, school and association, such as American Pharmacists Association (APhA).

The role of pharmacists has become more multifaceted, as they now handle a wider range of tasks and take more responsibility for providing patient care than 20 years ago.

Source: Definition of professionalism and tools for assessing professionalism in pharmacy practice: a systematic review.”

Professionalism in general terms

  • Generosity
  • Responsibility
  • Compassion
  • Humility
  • Commitment
  • Honesty
  • Excellence

Eight areas that every pharmacist should focus on

While there are a variety of forms of professionalism, these are the most important areas that every pharmacy professional should focus on:

  • Voice: The voice of pharmacist must be pleasant and engaging, reflecting confidence in their profession and action.
  • Savvy: Pharmacist should always maintain a sharp business acumen while simultaneously demonstrating a genuine concern for their client’s welfare.
  • Respect: The pharmacist should always maintain the highest level of respect and professionalism with their client (and all other healthcare professionals).
  • Integrity: Pharmacist will not lie, cheat or steal.
  • Responsibility: The pharmacist will always be responsible to their client as well as society.
  • Commitment: Pharmacists must be committed to their profession and promote dialogue between patients and other healthcare professionals
  • Be Great: Explain each of his actions and encourage autonomy
  • Be Trustworthy: Ability to manage the processes, flow of Information, maintaining confidentiality and trust

Principles of Professionalism in the delivery of pharmacy services

Read moreClinical vs Compounding Pharmacy: a Head-to-Head Comparison & Key Considerations

These are the 10 (Ten) “Principles of Professionalism” to ensure quality of healthcare service:

Principle 1: Meeting the professional standards of pharmacy and best practices

Principle 2: Ensuring that patients have an opportunity to participate in decisions concerning their health care

Principle 3: Maintaining a patient-centred approach when performing services

Principle 4: Achievement of patient satisfaction and visual performance

Principle 5: The responsible and safe use of medications

Principle 6: Contribute to the visibility of pharmacy (with his knowledge, skills and ability (KSA))

Principle 7: Contribute to better healthcare practices (through active and continuous learning)

Principle 8: Display professional Demeanor in the workplace

Principle 9: Safeguard patient privacy, maintain confidentiality

Principle 10: Fulfill legal and ethical responsibilities of Pharmacists

Summary

Pharmacists, after graduation, are rightly viewed as experts in treating patients with drugs. As pharmacists, they play a vital role in helping to ensure that patients receive the right medicine and best possible pharmaceutical care service. This includes making sure that the health-care professionals involved in delivering the drugs, such as doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, also comply with their responsibilities. This can mean ensuring that they are appropriately trained or that they are working professionally and take on new roles. To demonstrate professionalism, pharmacists should work and lead with a vision and clear mission to provide the best possible healthcare service.

NAPRA’s Public Consultation – Principles of Professionalism

The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), along with pharmacy professionals and pharmacy stakeholders, has developed eight principles of professionalism. NAPRA invites all pharmacy professionals, pharmacy stakeholders, and members of the public to provide feedback on the draft Principles of Professionalism. The consultation process will be open between June 4, 2021 and August 3, 2021.

What’s Next on PharmaRead.com

Patient-Focused Social Media Advice from the US and UK Top Pharmacies Compared – Stay Tuned!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on PharmaRead are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization. PharmaRead articles are provided for information only with focus on global health, pharmacy practice, and healthcare systems in Low- and Middle-income Countries (LMICs). Readers should seek expert opinion for use, implementation or application of this knowledge based on their individual circumstances.

Related Posts