Today I would like to write about Professional Judgement. This is one of the most difficult areas for foreign trained pharmacists to use in pharmacy practise.

After training International Pharmacy Graduates (IPG's) for ten years, the use of professional judgement can mean the difference between passing and failing OSCE.

This frequently happens when there is a tough situation (ethical?) or otherwise.  For example, a patient asks you for a repeat of a narcotic prescription that they had for cancer pain. 
There are no repeats on the medication and you cannot get in touch with the cancer specialist that originally prescribed the medication.  What do you do?

Here are some key areas whenever exercising professional judgement:

• Take actions that are in the best interest of your patient.  The patient must have an active role in the decision making process. The patient should fully understand the situation and the reasons behind your recommendation.


• Always use your knowledge and expertise to gather pertinent patient information.  You gather this information through dialogue and communication.


• Make decisions that your peers would consider reasonable given the circumstances.  Ask yourself: what would my peers consider reasonable and acceptable?


• Make sure you document all your decisions and relevant actions, otherwise it is assumed they did not occur.  Document all outcomes of your decision.

Take a look at this useful summary on the Ontario College of Pharmacists' Website too.


Hope that helps. 
Paul
www.agrohealth.com