Formulating a code of ethics for Kuwaiti pharmacists using FIP ethical standards: A Delphi study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare and are expected to adhere to high ethical standards. Ethical values provide a practical basis for identifying valued actions, intentions, and motives. Regulatory organizations in developed countries have established codes of ethics for various professions, including pharmacy, which support improved patient outcomes and increased trust in the healthcare system. While a national code of ethics for pharmacists in Kuwait is not currently published. Aim To formulate a code of ethics for pharmacists in Kuwait through a modified Delphi technique that is relevant and applicable for Kuwait context. Methods A 2-round E-Delphi consensus technique using the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s (FIP) 14 ethical standards was conducted. An ethical approval for this study was obtained from Human Ethical Committee, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University (270). Pharmacy expertise were recruited through purposive and snowballing sampling method. Consensus was achieved when at least 90% of acceptance and clarity level of the FIP's ethical standards were reached. Round 1: Expertise were asked to indicate their level of acceptance and clarity of the 14 FIP ethical standards in both the Arabic and English languages. Round 2: This round discussed seven standards, which were unaccepted, unclear, and did not reach the cut-off point from round 1. Results Round 1 response rate achieved 100% (30) and seven standards were accepted in terms of acceptance and languages’ clarity. Round 2 response rate was 93.3% (28), including the rest 7 standards that did not reach the required consensus’s percentage. Through the 2nd round, it ended up with 2 standards, accomplishing consensus. The remaining five standards need to be reconsidered in a follow-up study. Discussion/Conclusion The positive reception and understanding of the FIP ethical standards among pharmacists suggest that the regulatory authority in Kuwait can use this study's data to advance its efforts in adopting these standards. Therefore, it is essential for the regulatory authority to consider the study's findings when evaluating the implementation of ethical standards in Kuwait's healthcare system.