The Concept of Pharmacy Ethics and the Examples of Ethical Dilemmas Encountered by Pharmacists in the Asir Region, Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacists’ involvement in patient care is expanding. The inclusion of this function within a complex healthcare system populated by demanding patients may create ethical challenges. In Saudi Arabia, few studies have been conducted on pharmacy ethics, and the available data are quantitative in nature. Thus, there remains a need for a qualitative assessment of the ethical dilemmas facing pharmacists. METHODS: This exploratory study utilized a qualitative methodology that included open-ended, in-depth, semi-structured interviews, followed by content analysis. The study recruited credentialed pharmacists from community and hospital pharmacies. Themes and codes were created and classified. RESULTS: Eighteen pharmacists were interviewed, and their responses were categorized into eight areas of ethical dilemma: beneficence and non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, confidentiality, veracity, communication skills, sincerity and religion, and law. Taken together, it appears that most of the ethical challenges to the practice of pharmacy center on the theme of beneficence and non-maleficence. Additionally, it was found that some social and religious practices and beliefs contribute to the formation of participants’ ethical backgrounds. CONCLUSION: These findings may aid in the development of national pharmacy ethics guidelines in Saudi Arabia. Additional quantitative research is necessary to confirm the study’s findings.