Oath Of A Pharmacists Research Paper

Issues for Health Care Professionals: Pharmacists

Communities presume high standards from healthcare professionals morally, ethically and legally. Healthcare professionals are responsible for maintaining current knowledge of medical advancements and public information. Yet, the public still feels vulnerable with electronic transmission of information, electronic records, e-scripts, healthcare delivery and the complexity of health interventions, along with legal limitations, medical specializations and the escalating use of generic pharmaceuticals (Klepser, et. al., 2008, p. 231). However, patients are not alone in this vulnerability. Many health professionals find themselves caught between personal ethics and liability responsibilities of

The American Pharmacists Association revised the “Oath of a Pharmacist” for spring 2009 graduates. Hence, pharmacist graduates swear (ACCP, 2009):

I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy. In fulfilling this vow:

• I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns • I will apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal outcomes for my patients. • I will respect and protect all personal and health information entrusted to me. • I will accept the lifelong obligation to improve my professional knowledge and

Most of the ethical codes contain semblances in the standards of patient relationships with other medical professions in autonomy, with honesty, integrity, dignity, maintaining professional competence, respecting other health professionals, respecting the patient-pharmacist’s covenantal relationship and serving the community, and societal needs. Nonetheless, the pharmaceutical industries in which the pharmacists depend on are beleaguered with unethical practices. These clinical trials start with pharmacists and chemists under contract to conduct studies and articles with results, which are not always factual or conducted ethically. Some pharmacists find themselves in a gray area with their duty to their employer as well as duty to other healthcare professions and the public in their “obligations for research integrity” (Klepser,