Prescription-Oct2010

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THE WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
WMA RESOLUTION
ON
DRUG PRESCRIPTION
Adopted by the WMA General Assembly, Vancouver, Canada, October 2010
PREAMBLE
From the beginning of their studies and throughout their professional careers, doctors acquire the
knowledge, training and competence required to treat their patients with the utmost skill and care.
Physicians determine the most accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment to cure illness, or
alleviate its effects, taking into consideration the overall condition of the patient.
Pharmaceutical products are often an essential part of the treatment approach. In order to make the
right decisions in accordance with the ethical and professional principles of medical practice, the
doctor must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the principles of pharmacology and
possible interactions among different drugs and their effects on the health of the patient.
The prescribing of medication is a significant clinical intervention, which should be preceded by
multiple, integrated processes to assess the patient and determine the correct clinical diagnosis.
These processes include:
• Taking a history of the current condition and past medical history;
• The ability to make differential diagnosis;
• Understanding any multiple chronic and complex illnesses involved;
• Taking a history of the medications currently being administered successfully or previously
withdrawn and also being aware of possible interactions.
Inappropriate drug prescription without proper knowledge and accurate diagnosis may cause serious
adverse effects on the patient’s health. In view of the possible serious consequences that may result
from an inappropriate therapeutic decision, the WMA affirms the following principles on high
quality treatment and ensuring patient safety:
PRINCIPLES
Prescription of drugs should be based on a correct diagnosis of the patient’s condition and should be
performed by those who have successfully completed a curriculum on disease mechanisms,
diagnostic methods and medical treatment of the condition in question.
Prescriptions issued by physicians are vital for ensuring patient safety, which in turn is critical for
maintaining the relationship of trust between patients and their physicians.
Although nurses and other healthcare workers cooperate in the overall treatment of patients, the
physician is the best qualified individuals to prescribe independently. In some countries, laws may
Vancouver, October 2010 Prescription/Oct2010
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allow for other professionals to prescribe drugs under specific circumstances, generally with extra
training and education and most often under medical supervision. In all cases, the responsibility for
the patient’s treatment must remain with the physician. Each country’s medical system should
ensure the protection of public interest and safety in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. If a
system fails to comply with this basic framework due to social, economical or other compelling
reasons, it should make every effort to improve the situation and to protect the safety of the patients.
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