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Hospital pharmacy: what is ethical?
1Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Pharmacists face frequent ethical dilemmas requiring systematic analysis. Understanding ethical principles and theories helps resolve workplace conflicts and ensures fair treatment for all.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Ethics
- Applied Ethics
- Professional Ethics
Background:
- Ethical dilemmas are common in pharmacy practice.
- Pharmacists need to distinguish ethical issues from other concerns.
- Western normative ethics provides a framework for analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe characteristics of ethical evaluations in pharmacy.
- To discuss principles and theories of Western normative ethics.
- To provide a framework for ethical analysis in professional settings.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of ethical evaluation characteristics (ultimate, universal, impartial).
- Outline of a four-stage ethical analysis process.
- Exploration of moral rules, ethical principles, and ethical theories.
Main Results:
- Ethical evaluations are ultimate, universal, and treat all alike.
- A hierarchical approach to ethical analysis involves facts, rules, principles, and theories.
- Systematic analysis clarifies disputes and exposes irrational decisions.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists require knowledge of systematic ethical analysis.
- Distinguishing ethical issues is crucial for professional practice.
- A thorough ethical analysis hierarchy aids in resolving complex workplace dilemmas.