Role of Allied Professional (SLP) Module 4 - Essay Example

Duties and Responsibilities of a Pharmacist Duties and Responsibilities of a Pharmacist Pharmacists bear responsibility of exercising trust in their area of expertise without which a large number of people is under the risk of harm or loss of life. According to Lamb (2014) pharmacists should be aware of their duties and responsibilities. First, they should always provide patient with relevant, up to date information pertaining their medication in the most understandable way as possible. For instance, ensuring patients are able to read labels on drugs with the aim of eliminating cases of over and under dose.

Second, pharmacists should counsel patients and advise on any possible side effects and on how to use the drugs correctly. The OBRA 90 standard of pharmacy practice calls for pharmacists to give guidance to patients on the use, interactions and any contraindications expected. Doing so reduces the chances of legal liability in their line of work.Thirdly, they should regularly monitor the rate at which the patient is taking his or her medication. Thanks to advancement in technology, there computerized information system that pharmacist can use to record and refer to the information pertaining the patients medication history.

Fourthly, it is the responsibility of pharmacists to resolve any problems that arise in relation to patients. These could be medical bill payment problems, discrimination toward the patient as a result of his or her condition (Lamb, 2014). Fifth, pharmacists are required to honor a legally valid prescription presented by the patient from a physician or a doctor. Lastly, pharmacists should be obligated to consult and adhere to pharmacy regulations and set standards. This contributes to patients wellbeing and protection from potential risks associated by certain medication.

In the case of Robert Courtney, a pharmacists accused of intentionally diluting chemotherapy drugs to make money by exploiting cancer patients, is a good example of professional trust breach. He confesses of altering over 150 doses of chemotherapy drugs and risking lives of over 30 patients. Courtney does not only violate patient rights, break the law but most importantly betrays the trust of patients seek his expertise (Jaffe, 2001). Altering the sate of a drug is professionally unethical and immoral considering lives are at stake.

Pharmacists’ judgment should and only be in the paramount interest of the patient and not Pharmacists’ interest. It is expected of Courtney as a professional healthcare pharmacist, to be the patient advocate but from his action it is clear that he is not concerned with his patients’ wellbeing. Courtney’s actions have a negative impact not only on the victims, in this case, but also the entire community. For instance, the validity of the entire U.S Pharmaceutical system used to dispense drugs is in question considering it is the same system used by Courtney.

Additionally, healthcare professionals that engage in practices such as those portrayed by Courtney, increases the risks of injury or death to the ill in the community. However, there are precautions that can be taken to avoid such incidences from occurring (Wilson, 2012). Firstly, more rigid rules governing pharmacist’s practices and drug dispensing process can be implemented. This should include more regulation measures and penalties on any cases of fraud during dispensing drugs. Secondly, research and manufacture of tamper-proof substances, especially, in packaging and form of availability.

Thirdly, standardizing practices on dispensing drugs such as those proposed by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board in 2006. Finally, establishing audit procedures and measures for better product accountability. ReferencesJaffe, Anna. (2001). Courtney Case Prompts New Look at Drug Dispensing. Kansas City Business Journal. Retrieved from http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2001/10/15/story5.html?page=all 23 June 2014Lamb Edward. (2014). Top 9 Pharmacist Responsibilities. Retrieved from http://pharmacy.about.com/od/Operations/a/Top-Pharmacist-Responsibilities.

htm 23 June 2014Wilson, R. (2012). Legal, ethical and professional concepts within the operating department. Journal of Perioperative Practice, 22(3): 81-85