Pharmacists face ethical choices constantly -- sometimes dramatic life-and-death decisions, but more often subtle, less conspicuous choices that are nonetheless important. Among the topics confronted are assisted suicide, conscientious refusal, pain management, equitable distribution of drug resources within institutions and managed care plans, confidentiality, and alternative and non-traditional therapies. Veatch and Haddad's book, first published in 1999, was the first collection of case studies based on the real experiences of practicing pharmacists, for use as a teaching tool for pharmacy students. The second edition accounts for the many changes in pharmacy since 1999, including assisted suicide in Oregon, the purchasing of less expensive drugs from Canada, and the influence of managed care on prescriptions. The presentation of some cases is shortened, most are revised and updated, and two new chapters have been added. The first new chapter presents a new model for analyzing cases, while the second focuses on the ethics of new drug distribution systems, for example hospitals where pharmacists are forced to choose drugs based on cost-effectiveness, and internet based pharmacies.

Preface Introduction: Four Questions of Ethics 1. A Model for Ethical Problem Solving 2. Values in Health and Illness 3. What is the Source of Moral Judgments? Part II: Ethical Principles in Pharmacy Ethics 4. Benefiting the Patient and Others: The Duty to Do Good and Avoid Harm 5. Justice: The Allocation of Health Resources 6. Autonomy 7. Veracity: Dealing Honestly with Patients 8. Fidelity: Promise-Keeping and Confidentiality 9. Avoidance of Killing Part III: Special Problem Areas 10. Abortion, Sterilization, and Contraception 11. Genetics, Birth, and the Biological Revolution 12. Mental Health and Behavior Control 13. Formularies and Drug Distribution Systems 14. Experimentation on Human Subjects 15. Consent and the Right to Refuse Treatment 16. Death and Dying Appendix The Hippocratic Oath Code of Ethics for Pharmacists List of Cases Index

"Very interesting and eye-opening...What is so compelling about this book is that it presents a plethora of ethical situations by relating pharmacists' real-life stories in the form of case studies...I am sure you will find yourself immersed in at least one or more case studies with personal application to your practice."--US Pharmacist |k No