Key Words And Theories

Question 1

what is deontology?

Answer 1

• emphasis on adherence to ethical rules and duties, though it may be inflexible
• suggests that actions are good or bad according to a set of rules
• actions that align with these rules are ethical
• VNs might apply deontological ethics by strictly following the RCVS CoPC

Question 2

what is utilitarianism?

Answer 2

• theory of morality that states actions are morally right when they promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people
• in veterinary, this means making decisions that maximise overall well-being, considering both humans and animals involved
• may overlook minority interests

Question 3

what is non-consequentialism?

Answer 3

• involves deciding on whether an action is right or wrong by examining obligations
• they claim that the right thing should be done no matter the consequences

Question 4

what is consequentialism?

Answer 4

involves examining the outcome of an action to decide whether it is good or bad

Question 5

what is virtue ethics?

Answer 5

• maintains that it is how we are that is important and that if we are virtuous or morally good then we will naturally act correctly in accordance with our character
• encourages qualities like patience, resilience and wisdom

Question 6

what is autonomy?

Answer 6

refers to the rights of individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare

Question 7

what is non-maleficence?

Answer 7

• principle of “do no harm” which obliges healthcare professionals to avoid causing unnecessary harm or suffering
• potential harm weighed against potential suffering

Question 8

what is beneficence?

Answer 8

• principle of promoting good and doing no harm
• taken into account with non-maleficence in order to determine the best course of action

Question 9

what is justice?

Answer 9

• refers to fair and equitable distribution of resources and treatment
• involves ensuring that all patients receive appropriate care without discrimination or bias
• we uphold applicable laws and legislation

Question 10

what is criminal law?

Answer 10

• between individuals and society
• heard at magistrates or crown court
• verdict is guilty or non guilty
• may result in community service/ fine/ prison/ criminal record

Question 11

what is civil law?

Answer 11

• between individuals
• heard in county or high court
• verdict is liable or not liable
• may result in paying compensation, getting an injuction

Question 12

what is authority?

Answer 12

power or right to give orders, make decisions and enforce obedience

Question 13

what is responsibility?

Answer 13

state or fact of being accountable or to be blamed for something

Question 14

what is accountability?

Answer 14

being honest and owning up to their mistakes

Question 15

what is duty of care?

Answer 15

• a moral or legal obligation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others
• we have a duty of care to clients, colleagues, employers

Question 16

what is negligence?

Answer 16

establish duty of care > breach of duty of care > consequential harm

Question 17

what is malpractice?

Answer 17

improper, illegal or negligent professional behaviour

Question 18

what is gross misconduct?

Answer 18

actions that are severe enough in nature and can not only implicate a business but also puts patients, owners and other staff at risk

Question 19

what is fraud?

Answer 19

a false representation of matter of fact- whether by words or conduct, by false or misleading allegations, or by concealment of what should’ve been disclosed- that deceives another

Question 20

what is clinical judgement?

Answer 20

• the process by which vet professionals use their clinical reasoning to make decisions
• refers to the process that nurses use to assess a patient’s condition, make decisions about care and implement appropriate actions

Question 21

what is clinical governance?

Answer 21

• is a framework that helps vet professionals improve the quality of care they give
• 3 parts: reflection, evidence- based nursing/ practice, CPD

Question 22

what is evidence-based nursing?

Answer 22

• application of evidence-based practice principles
• involves nurses making clinical decisions based on the best available evidence, their clinical expertise and the needs/ preferences of their patients
• nursing centric
  -patient care
• specialised evidence

Question 23

what is evidence-based practice?

Answer 23

• process of systematically reviewing, appraising and using research findings as the basis for clinical decisions
• involved integrating the best available evidence , clinical expertise and patient preferences to improve outcomes
• multidisciplinary
• broad scope
• holistic approach

Question 24

what is the Gibbs (1988) reflective model?

Answer 24

description > feelings > evaluation > analysis > conclusion > action plan

Question 25

what is the Kolb (1984) reflective model?

Answer 25

concrete experience > reflective obvs > abstract conceptualisation (learning from experience) > active experimentation