Working in health and social care settings

Question 1

Responsibilities of people working in health and social care settings

Answer 1

The responsibilities of people working in health and social care settings are :
- Following the policies and procedures in the settings where they work
- Healing and supporting recovery for people who are ill
- Enabling rehabilitation for patients
- Providing equipment and adaptations for people who are living independently This is an occupational therapist role
- Providing personal care E.g. Washing Feeding Toilet
- Supporting patient routines E.g. Day-to-day family life Education Employment Leisure activities
- Assessment and care and support planning Involving patients and their families

Question 2

Following policies and procedures

Answer 2

H and Sc organisations have guidelines describing working procedures that should be followed to ensure care provided meets patient needs

Question 3

Legislation definition

Answer 3

Law - The process of making and enacting laws

Question 4

Policy definition

Answer 4

Detailed description of how an organisation tends to conduct itself and its services The actions it will take and long-term goals Provide guidelines to help with decision-making
Policies that doctors follow : Health and safety policy Equality and diversity policy Safeguarding policy

Question 5

Procedure definition

Answer 5

Tailored to the specific needs of an organisation Following set rules and legislation E.g. Health and safety at work act 1974
A set of written instructions outlining expected and required routines to be followed in specific situations E.g. Accident report
How to carry out policy

Question 6

How do policy and procedure work?

Answer 6

Ensure organisation and staff work within guidelines of organisation and also guidelines of legislation of the country
Keep staff and organisation safe from prosecution

Question 7

Exam question example
Explain the difference between a policy and a procedure
(4 marks)

Answer 7

A policy is a detailed description of how an organisation conducts itself and its services in certain situations. Policy outlines the actions that this organisation will take and its long-term goals. Policy provides guidelines to help with decision making.

A procedure is a step-by-step guide which entails how to follow the actions (the expected and required routines) that policy outlines will take place in certain situations. Procedures are tailored to the specific needs of an organisation.

Policies actually outline the actions that HPs have to perform in certain situations, and procedures explain how to carry out these actions in order to ensure that the organisation and the staff work within the guidelines of legislation. Policies and procedures keep staff and the organisation safe from prosecution.

Question 8

What do all organisational policies and procedures start with?

Answer 8

A statement of aims and objectives They are specific to the organisation and the individual needs of the service user

Question 9

Aims definition

Answer 9

General statements concerning overall goals, ends, or intentions

Question 10

Objectives definition

Answer 10

Individual steps of goals