A1 - Working within the Health and Science sector

Question 1

Describe the purpose of organisational policies in the health sector

Answer 1

Organisational policies ensure legal compliance, promote equality, prevent discrimination, and protect individuals’ rights.

Question 2

Explain the Equality Act 2010

Answer 2

The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination in the workplace and society, combining laws like the Sex Discrimination Act and Race Relations Act.

Question 3

Define safeguarding in the healthcare sector

Answer 3

Safeguarding means protecting individuals’ health, wellbeing, and human rights to ensure they are free from harm, abuse, and neglect.

Question 4

Identify an agency involved in safeguarding

Answer 4

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Care Quality Commission (CQC), or local authority social care services.

Question 5

Explain the purpose of an employment contract in healthcare

Answer 5

An employment contract outlines the rights, responsibilities, and duties of both employer and employee, ensuring fair treatment.

Question 6

Distinguish between Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA)

Answer 6

QC tests products to meet standards; QA ensures processes are in place to maintain consistent quality.

Question 7

Describe why quality standards are important in healthcare

Answer 7

Quality standards ensure consistent, high-quality care, maintain health and safety, and promote continuous improvement.

Question 8

Explain the principle of beneficence in healthcare ethics

Answer 8

Beneficence means acting in ways that promote the well-being and best interests of patients.

Question 9

Define nonmaleficence in healthcare practice

Answer 9

Nonmaleficence means avoiding actions that could harm or cause unnecessary risk to a patient.

Question 10

Describe the principle of autonomy in healthcare

Answer 10

Autonomy is respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions about their care and treatment.

Question 11

Explain why professional codes of conduct are important

Answer 11

Professional codes of conduct ensure ethical practice, promote confidence in the profession, and maintain high standards of care.

Question 12

Define “chartered status” in healthcare

Answer 12

Chartered status is a professional recognition awarded for achieving a high level of expertise, experience, and ethical standards in a specific field.

Question 13

Compare technical, higher technical, and professional occupations in healthcare

Answer 13

Technical occupations (Level 2/3) require practical skills; higher technical (Level 4/5) need workplace experience; professional occupations (Level 6+) require advanced education and career qualifications.

Question 14

Explain how continuing professional development (CPD) supports career progression

Answer 14

CPD allows professionals to update and improve their skills, knowledge, and abilities through training, workshops, and learning opportunities.

Question 15

Describe the role of safeguarding policies in healthcare

Answer 15

Safeguarding policies protect individuals’ health and wellbeing, ensuring that they live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.

Question 16

Explain the difference between direct and indirect discrimination

Answer 16

Direct discrimination is treating someone unfairly because of a protected characteristic; indirect discrimination occurs when a policy disproportionately affects one group, even if it’s meant for everyone.

Question 17

Define the term “informed consent”

Answer 17

Informed consent is when a patient agrees to treatment after being fully informed of its risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Question 18

Explain the importance of truthfulness in healthcare practice

Answer 18

Truthfulness ensures that patients are given clear, honest information about their care, fostering trust and informed decision-making.

Question 19

Describe the role of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Answer 19

The HCPC regulates health and care professionals, ensuring they meet standards for education, training, and conduct to protect the public.

Question 20

Explain the concept of “justice” in healthcare ethics

Answer 20

Justice means treating all patients fairly, providing equal access to care, and respecting individual rights and needs.

Question 21

Define “grievance policy” in the workplace

Answer 21

A grievance policy outlines the steps employees should take if they have complaints about work conditions, discrimination, or treatment by employers.

Question 22

Describe the role of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in safeguarding

Answer 22

The DBS helps prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups by carrying out background checks on employees.

Question 23

Explain the purpose of performance reviews in healthcare organisations

Answer 23

Performance reviews assess employees’ work, provide feedback, and identify areas for professional development and continued improvement.

Question 24

Describe how a healthcare professional should apply the principle of confidentiality

Answer 24

A healthcare professional should keep patient information private and only share it with authorized personnel to maintain trust and ensure privacy.

Question 25

Explain the significance of the Equality Act 2010 in the healthcare sector

Answer 25

The Equality Act 2010 ensures that healthcare professionals provide equal treatment to all individuals, protecting against discrimination based on characteristics like age, sex, race, or disability.

Question 26

define "audit processes" in healthcare

Answer 26

Audit processes involve reviewing and assessing healthcare services to ensure quality standards are met and to identify areas for improvement.

Question 27

Describe what a healthcare professional should do if a grievance arises

Answer 27

They should follow the grievance procedure, raise the issue with management, and attempt to resolve the problem through discussion or formal meetings.

Question 28

Explain the difference between a written employment contract and verbal agreement

Answer 28

A written employment contract provides formal, legal documentation of terms, while a verbal agreement is informal and harder to enforce.

Question 29

Identify one professional body in healthcare and its role

Answer 29

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) regulates nurses and midwives, ensuring they meet ethical and professional standards.

Question 30

explain the difference between technical and professional occupations in healthcare

Answer 30

Technical occupations involve practical, hands-on roles with lower-level qualifications, while professional occupations require advanced education and specialist qualifications.