FELICITOLOGY AS A NEW VECTOR FOR THE HUMANIZATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL ETHICS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/2312-0967.2025.3.15578Keywords:
pharmaceutical ethics, felicitiology, patient-centeredness, emotional intelligence, positive psychology, PERMA model, humanization of pharmacyAbstract
The aim of the work - to explore the potential integration of felicitiology into pharmaceutical practice in order to strengthen the humanistically oriented model of professional ethics.
Materials and Methods. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. Content analysis was conducted on ethical codes and scholarly publications in pharmaceutical ethics. A depersonalized online survey was administered among pharmacists (n=166) and pharmacy visitors (n=203) using an adapted PERMA model to assess psycho-emotional well-being. In addition, two focus groups (n=12+12) comprising academic staff and undergraduate pharmacy students were organized to evaluate readiness for implementing felicitiological concepts. Statistical analysis was performed using a priori factor ranking methods.
Results and Discussion. Content analysis revealed that national ethical document is predominantly oriented toward a normative-deontological approach, whereas international standards emphasize patient-centeredness and quality of life, including happiness and emotional well-being. The pharmacists’ survey showed that most respondents (73.5%) consider patients’ emotional well-being part of their professional responsibility; 84.3% practice benevolent communication, while 16.3% do not employ supportive methods. PERMA-based analysis among pharmacy visitors confirmed the importance of positive emotions, relationships, and meaning in pharmacist–patient interaction, while highlighting potential to improve patient engagement and communication practices. The highest scores were recorded for “Relationships” (4.5) and “Positive emotions” (4.3), underscoring the significance of empathic interaction. Focus groups indicated a high awareness of the importance of emotional competence and moral satisfaction in professional activity, confirming the relevance of integrating felicitiological practices into pharmacy education.
Conclusions. The implementation of felicitiology in pharmaceutical practice is justified and contributes to improving patients’ quality of life, strengthening trust in pharmacists, and expanding their humanistic role. Integrating ethical and felicitiological principles into professional standards and educational programs enables the combination of care for physical health with psycho-emotional support, enhances patient motivation for treatment, and increases the effectiveness of pharmaceutical care.
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