PSI Professional Ethics

Question 1

What is the PSI Code of Conduct for Pharmacists?

Accepted Answer

A set of principles and standards published by the PSI that outline the ethical and professional conduct expected of all registered pharmacists in Ireland

Answer

The PSI Code of Conduct sets out mandatory principles of professional conduct that all registered pharmacists must follow. It covers patient care, professional competence, communication, trust, and autonomy. Breaches can lead to fitness to practise proceedings.

Question 2

What is the pharmacist's duty of confidentiality regarding patient information?

Accepted Answer

To protect all patient information and only disclose it with consent or when legally required, in accordance with GDPR and professional standards

Answer

Pharmacists have both a professional and legal duty to maintain patient confidentiality. Under GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, patient data must be processed lawfully, stored securely, and only shared with authorised persons for legitimate purposes. Breaches have serious professional and legal consequences.

Question 3

What ethical principle requires pharmacists to act in the best interest of the patient?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence — the duty to act in the patient's best interest and promote their welfare

Answer

Beneficence is the ethical principle requiring healthcare professionals to act in the patient's best interest. For pharmacists, this means providing optimal pharmaceutical care, advocating for patients, and always prioritising patient welfare over commercial interests.

Question 4

How should a pharmacist handle a conflict of interest between commercial pressures and patient care?

Accepted Answer

Patient care and safety must always take priority over commercial or business interests

Answer

The PSI Code of Conduct is clear: patient care must always come first. Pharmacists must not allow commercial pressures to compromise the quality of care, recommend unnecessary products, or dispense inappropriately. Professional judgement must prioritise patient safety above business interests.

Question 5

What is 'conscientious objection' in pharmacy practice?

Accepted Answer

A pharmacist's right to decline providing certain services based on personal moral or religious beliefs, provided the patient is referred to another provider without delay

Answer

Pharmacists may exercise conscientious objection to certain services (e.g., emergency contraception) based on genuine moral or religious beliefs. However, they must not impose their beliefs on patients, must inform the patient and refer them to another pharmacist who can provide the service without delay.

PSI Pharmacy Practice Test

PSI Pharmacy Practice Test

PSI Professional Ethics