Learning Aim A - The Roles and Responsibilities of those who work in the Health and Social Care Sector

Question 1

Define Doctor.

Answer 1

Doctors are people who are qualified to treat illnesses and injuries by administering treatment or prescribing medicines.

Question 2

Define Consultant.

Answer 2

Consultant is a senior doctor who usually works in a hospital and has specialised in a certain area.

Question 3

Give example of a Consultant.

Answer 3

→ Cardiologist - treat people with heart conditions.

Question 4

Define GP (General Practitioner).

Answer 4

GP is a doctor who does not specialise in a specific branch of medicine but provides ongoing treatment and preventative care in the community for a variety of medical problems that may be experienced by individuals of all ages.

Question 5

State the difference between a GP and a Consultant.

Answer 5

A GP (General Practitioner) is a doctor who treats patients in the community for a variety of health conditions, whereas a Consultant treats people in hospital in a specific area of care.

Question 6

Give four main responsibilities of a doctor in treating illnesses.

Answer 6

Responsibilities of a Doctor includes:
→Diagnosing the condition of a patient.
→Deciding on a treatment plan.
→Prescribing medication and organising treatment.
→Monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment.

Question 7

Define Nurse.

Answer 7

Nurse helps to manage and prevent illnesses. They often monitor and record information to ensure that the treatment being given is appropriate for that patient.

Question 8

Identify four different types of nurses.

Answer 8

Types of Nurses include:
→ Adult Nurses
→ Children’s Nurses (paediatric nurse)
→ Neonatal Nurses
→ Health Visitors
→ Practice Nurses
→ District Nurses
→ Mental Health Nurses
→ Learning Disability Nurses

Question 9

Describe the Role of a District Nurse.

Answer 9

A District Nurse travers round to see patients at home. They assess and meet the care and support needs of patients, most commonly the elderly or those just out of hospital. They may be involved in wound care, administrating medication, palliative care or other nursing duties.

Question 10

Give 3 tasks a Practice Nurse may be responsible for in a GP practice.

Answer 10

Responsibilities
→ Taking blood samples.
→ Giving vaccinations and immunisations.
→ Giving health advice.
→ Carrying out health screenings.

Question 11

Describe the Role of a Nurse Practitioner.

Answer 11

A Nurse Practitioner is trained to investigate and diagnose illnesses 50 they can prescribe medication, just like a doctor. They often carry out research and spend time training others.

Question 12

Define Midwife.

Answer 12

A Midwife is specifically trained to deliver babies and provide both antenatal and postnatal care to women who are having a baby. They may also provide support to partners of pregnant women, and to newborn babies.

Question 13

Define Antenatal Care.

Answer 13

Antenatal Care is care provided for a woman before her baby is born.

Question 14

Define Postnatal.

Answer 14

Postnatal Care is care provided following the birth of the baby.

Question 15

Identify 3 different settings where a Midwife may work.

Answer 15

Midwives may work in:
→ Hospital
→ May work in women’s home
→ GP Practices
→ Birthing Centres
→ Community
→ Children’s Centres

Question 16

Describe the Role of a Midwife in providing Antenatal Care.

Answer 16

Midwives provide antenatal care by working with the mother to:
→ Create birth plan
→ Provide health care and lifestyle advice to the mother
→ Give information on pregnancy and birth
→ Monitor the hearth of the mother and the developing foetus
→ Provide antenatal classes to prepare women for birth and early motherhood

Question 17

Define Healthcare Assistant.

Answer 17

Healthcare Assistants can also be known as Nursing Assistants or Auxiliary Nurses.They work under the guidance and with the support of qualified healthcare professionals*.

Question 18

Identify 3 different settings where a Healthcare Assistant may work.

Answer 18

Healthcare Assistant may work in:
→ Hospitals
→ * Nursing Homes*
→ GP Practices
→ Community Healthcare Setting
→ May work alongside midwives in Maternity services

Question 19

State the Difference between a Nurse and a Healthcare Assistant.

Answer 19

Nurses * are qualified healthcare professionals who can work independently.
Healthcare Assistants * always work under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

Question 20

Identify 4 duties a Healthcare Assistant may include:

Answer 20

Duties carried out by Healthcare Assistants include:
→ Taking observations such as pulse and temperature
→ Helping with personal care such as washing, dressing, toileting, eating and drinking
→ Making beds
→ Serving meals

Question 21

Apart from nurses, identify 2 other health professionals a Healthcare Assistant may work with.

Answer 21

Healthcare Professionals who may work with healthcare assistants include:
→ Doctors
→ GPs
→ Midwives
→ Nurses

Question 22

Define Social Worker.

Answer 22

Social Workers * work with individuals and families and provide help and support for people of all ages through difficult times in their lives*.
They help to improve an individuals wellbeing, support them to live independent lives and also help ensure vulnerable people are protected from potential warm. They mass work in a variety of settings such as homes, hospitals and schools.

Question 23

Identity 3 client groups whom adult social workers may support.

Answer 23

Client groups an adult social worker may support include:
→ Older People
→ People with learning difficulties
→ People with disabilities
→ People with mental health problems

Question 24

Identify 2 skills required by a Social Worker.

Answer 24

Skills:
→ Empathy
→ Initiative
→ Communication Skills
→ Timekeeping and Punctuality
→ Decision- Making
→ Organisational Skills
→ Assessment
→ Recording and Reporting
→ Resilience

Question 25

Give 3 Roles of a Social Worker.

Answer 25

Roles of a Social Worker include:
→ Helping people to live independently
→ Supporting vulnerable people
→ Keeping people safe from harm and abuse
→ Organisational skills
→ Helping people find solutions to their problems
→ Working with children and families