A paramedic registered in Australia must be professional and ethical and must practice with professional autonomy and accountability within current medico-legal frameworks. This unit (HFB1003) will introduce students to the ethical and professional attributes which underpin good paramedic practice. By engaging in problem-based learning, students will form and understanding of the four key bioethical principles of non-maleficence, beneficence, respect for autonomy and justice, and navigate ethical dilemmas by applying an ethical decision-making framework. Students will develop knowledge and understanding about important health care themes such as ethical theories; professional skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, decision making and situational awareness; consent and advocacy; torts, negligence and duty of care; end-of-life care; working with vulnerable patients; ethical and legal use of medicines; and privacy, confidentiality and record keeping.
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Learning Outcomes
| 1. | Define and apply medical terminology appropriately; | ||
| 2. | Discuss ethical concepts pertaining to the delivery of competent and ethical health care; | ||
| 3. | Locate and discuss the governance and medico-legal frameworks that relate to paramedic practice; | ||
| 4. | Exemplify the professional skills and attributes required of a paramedic including communication, teamwork, leadership, situational awareness and decision making; and | ||
| 5. | Apply an ethical decision-making framework to navigate an out-of-hospital ethical dilemma. |
Assessment
| Assessment type | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 3 x MCQ Quizzes (10 mins each) | 20% |
| Other | Virtual Simulated Patient Resource Modules (7 x online simulation exercises) | 10% |
| Assignment | Group assignment – Ethical dilemma (problem solving exercise, peer review and feedback, and group reflection) | 40% |
| Case Study | Case Based Theory Assessment (45 minutes) | 30% |
Required reading
Applied paramedic law, ethics and professionalism: Australia and New Zealand 2nd ed.
Townsend, R., & Luck, M. (2020)
Chatswood, NSW Elsevier Australia
Where to next?
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.
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