Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare
10 Credits (ECTS)
Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare
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Module Description
This module aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of current legal and ethical issues in the healthcare context and the necessary skills to address these challenges.
Students will be introduced to foundational legal and ethical theories, issues, and principles, exploring their application within healthcare, specifically in the nursing profession.
The curriculum encourages students to consider the implications of recent societal events and new legislation on healthcare decision-making.
By the end of the module, students will be adept at navigating complex ethical dilemmas and legal challenges, making informed decisions that uphold professional integrity and patient rights.
This knowledge is crucial for fostering a responsible and legally compliant nursing practice, ultimately contributing to the delivery of safe and ethical patient care. This module focuses on the Maltese legislations related to the sector.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will need to possess:
- Two A-levels, one of them preferably being in a science subject, or an equivalent qualification at MQF Level 4 (for example, a Level 4 Diploma in Applied Science).
- Either Biology or Chemistry or Health & Social Care at Intermediate level.
OR
- At least 1 of the following: Biology, Chemistry, or Health & Social Care at level 4 (advanced or intermediate)
- and at least 3 of the following: Physics, Sociology, Psychology, English, Maltese or Mathematics at level 4 (advanced or intermediate).
Applicants will also need to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in English language by a valid International English Language Testing System level at overall level 6 or Occupational English Test with B in speaking and C+ in writing or Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate (MATSEC) pass at Grade 3 or better in English Language.
- Prior to commence the enrolling in any nursing programme, students should provide evidence of a clean conduct published by the respective police force or authority.
- In the case of those students who do not possess a Level 4 qualification, but who have a substantial amount of experience in the care industry and who possess O-level standard education, ca n be accepted into this Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing Science, on the condition that they undergo and acquire a pass in a Level 4 preparatory programme offered by IDEA College.
Furthermore, these students shall also undergo a RPL process in order to verify their work experience. Link to RPL Policy and Process: https://mt.ideaeducation.com/app/uploads/2022/09/Doc_007_22-Recognition-of-Prior-Learning-Policy-and-Process.pdf
Target Audience
This programme targets:
- Students who have completed their post-secondary education and would like to pursue a tertiary-level education in nursing.
- Older adults who have worked in different environments, but mostly in the care industry, who are interested in pursuing a programme in nursing.
- Individuals who are qualified in areas related to healthcare such as podiatry and physiotherapy and who are looking for or considering a career change in nursing.
Module / Unit Instructions
- This module uses a blended approach promoting the building of a community of practice via peer-to-peer learning.
- This module consists of lecturer-led sessions which include class lectures, online sessions, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities, fora and peer discussions promoting peer-to-peer learning, as well as simulation learning during which the students can work on an array of scenarios through role play.
- Online learning activities– synchronous and asynchronous sessions – may include active interaction led by the lecturer, participation, and contributions in fora discussions, sharing resources and self-reflection exercises. Learners also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.
- The simulation learning provides continuous formative feedback as an on-going guidance during the student’s learning experience in preparation for their summative assessment
How you’ll be assessed
This module comprises of:
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
This module is assessed via 3 mandatory components:
- Formative Assessment
- Summative Assessment
- Simulation Learning
Learning Outcomes:
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Critically analyse the research evidence underpinning safe, ethical healthcare and collective responsibility for health.
- Analyse concepts of professional accountability, liability, and culpability in a Maltese context and, more generally, as a registered nurse.
- Formulate and implement safe, effective, ethical, patient-centred, holistic, and evidence-based nursing care in accordance with the Maltese legislation and the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct for Nurses and Midwives.
- Critically discuss and examine important ethical topics in the healthcare context.
- Critically appraise the responsibilities of the nurse working within the Code of Ethics.
- Demonstrate effective communication and professional values in practice, drawing upon ethical frameworks.
Knowledge:
By the end of this module the student will have been exposed to the following indicative content:
- Critically analyse the research evidence underpinning safe, ethical healthcare and collective responsibility for health.
- Critically analyse the research evidence underpinning safe, ethical healthcare and collective responsibility for health.
- Formulate and implement safe, effective, ethical, patient-centred, holistic, and evidence-based nursing care in accordance with the Maltese legislation and the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct for Nurses and Midwives.
- Critically discuss and examine important ethical topics in the healthcare context.
- Critically appraise the responsibilities of the nurse working within the Code of Ethics.
- Demonstrate effective communication and professional values in practice, drawing upon ethical frameworks.
Skills:
By the end of this module, the students will be able to:
- Interpret legal concepts that influence government initiatives to safeguard healthcare practices and practise in a safe and ethical manner.
- Demonstrate moral judgements and decisions in own nursing practice according to the national framework and values in the Code of Ethics in Malta.
- Analyse different ethical issues in relation to personal and professional integrity at the place of work and apply sound and ethical decision-making to deliver safe, effective patient-centred care.
- Demonstrate a range of appropriate communication skills in practice to communicate effectively with specialists, non-specialists, patients, and families on social and ethical issues.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to
- Present own discussion and developments in a logical and organised manner through approaches of critical feedback and self-reflection.
- Engage with peers and/or team members to share and reflect on own development.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials, etc.