Law and Ethics Flashcards
What is autonomy?
Informed decision about their own medical care
What is beneficence?
Act for the benefit of the patient, prevent harm
What is non-maleficence?
To not do harm
What is justice?
All patients treated fairly and equally
What do we need to gain?
Consent - can be written or verbal, need to ensure it is willing and informed
What is explicit consent?
It is clear a patient has given specific permission - spoken/written
What is implied consent?
Assumed consent, e.g prescription brought in to be dispensed
What are the layers to consent?
F - Freely given
R - Reversible
I - Informed
E - Enthusiastic
S - Specific
How much information is needed for consent to be informed?
- All info on what the procedure involves
- Benefits & risks of the treatment
- Any reasonable alternatives
- What could happen if the treatment doesn’t go ahead
What does capacity mean?
Being able to understand information and make decisions about your life
What is the Gillick competence?
U16 own decision
What is the act for adults?
Mental capacity act 2005
What is a power of attorney?
Representative to make decisions on their behalf
What are the two areas of a POA?
- Health and welfare
- Property and financial affairs
What must be see when dealing with a POA?
Documentation supporting this
What is covert administration?
Administer medicines without patient knowledge or consent
What is the two step?
Impairment in brain?
Sufficient for them to make decison?
Who may not have capacity?
- Patients with dementia
- Patients with UTI
- Patients under influence of drugs/alcohol
- Patients who are unconscious
When is covert administration used?
- When a patient actively refuses medicine
- Person assessed not to have capacity to understand their refusal
- Medicine is deemed essential to their wellbeing
What are the 5 principles?
1) Presumption of capacity
2) Individuals supported to make their own decision
3) Unwise decisions
4) Best interests
5) Less restrictive option
Who to deal with it?
Multi disciplinary team
Patients may then regain capacity
What about crushing tablets and how to check if appropriate to crush/open capsules?
Off license
NEWT guidelines to check
