Professions + Professionalism

Question 1

What are the benefits of being a member of a profession?

Answer 1

• Status
• Social Class
• Intellectual Challenge + Interest
• Job Security

Question 2

What was the profession like in the Middle Ages?

Answer 2

• Apothecaries - wines, herbs + spices in dispensed prescriptions
• Physicians + other traders

There were no regulations or evidence that medicines were more effective than astrology.

Question 3

What is a monopoly?

Answer 3

If there is only one of something, and people need it, they have a complete control of the market.
- When one party exclusively provides a particular product dominating the market.

Question 4

What changed to the profession from the Middle Ages?

Answer 4

• Monopolies Created
• Regulation gradually introduced
• Professions rose in social status = through political struggles

Question 5

What expectations do the public have in the professions?

Answer 5

• Apply a high degree of skill + knowledge in their work
• Act in the best interests of patients + public (not being influences by self-interest)
• Objective + non-judgemental
• Guided by the standards of their profession

Question 6

Is Pharmacy a profession?

Answer 6

YES

Question 7

What are the attributes associated with a profession?

Answer 7

• Specialised knowledge
• Monopoly
• Autonomy (regulated by GPhC)
• Self-regulation
• Service orientation (the more you sell, the more you make)

Question 8

How are professionals created?

Answer 8

• Selection
• Training
• Recruitment
• Professional Regulation

Question 9

What is autonomy?

Answer 9

Medical ethics so that patients can make their own mind up about treatments.
- The freedom to act independently

Question 10

What are the 4 things that pharmacists should be aware of their professionalism towards?

Answer 10

• The Public
• Other professionals
• Patients
• Oneself

Question 11

What should a pharmacist be aware of their own self?

Answer 11

• their limitations
• life-long learning
• dealing with mistakes
• negotiate with others
• keep promises and appointments
• provide + receive feedback
• professional appearance