Principles of Health and Social Care Flashcards

Practice flashcards covering the principles of health and social care, including diversity, equality, legislation, safety management, and best practice values.

Diversity

The wide range of aspects within society—such as sexuality, religion, race, age, culture, disability, and ethnicity—that apply to both service users and healthcare professionals.

Culture

The way of life of an individual, incorporating their attitudes, customs, and opinions.

Ethnicity

The social group an individual identifies with because of common traits such as culture, religion, language, diet, ancestry, or physical features; the term 'ethnic group' is preferred over 'BAME'.

Nuclear family

A family structure consisting of a mother, father, and children.

Blended family

A family consisting of two adults, any children they have had together, and one or more children from previous relationships.

Gender reassignment

The process of physical change from one gender to another, or having completed such a change.

Dementia

A general term for several diseases that affect memory, thinking, and the ability to undertake daily activities.

Race

A category based upon physical attributes like skin tone or hair type, nationality, and national origin.

Socioeconomic background

A combination of an individual's occupation, income, and social status.

Equality

Treating individuals according to what they require to give them the same opportunities as every other individual, rather than simply treating everyone the same.

Confidentiality

The right of individuals to expect their details—verbal, written, or electronic—to remain private and only be shared with permission.

Consultation

The right of individuals to be involved in decisions that affect their lives at both an individual and community level.

Prejudice

An unfair or unreasonable opinion formed when an individual lacks enough knowledge or awareness, often resulting from stereotyping.

Direct discrimination

When an individual is treated differently or worse than others because of an aspect of their individuality.

Indirect discrimination

When a policy or procedure is applied to everyone regardless of individual needs, resulting in disadvantage for certain groups.

PIESF

An acronym for the five potential impacts of discrimination on individuals: Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social, and Financial.

Disempowerment

When an individual feels helpless and lacks the power to change or take control of their situation.

Hazard

Something that could potentially cause an accident or injury, categorized into biological, chemical, environmental, physical, working conditions, and security risks.

Risk

The likelihood of a hazard occurring combined with the severity of the harm it could cause.

Risk assessment

A process used to identify hazards, calculate the risk involved, and decide on measures to reduce the risk of harm.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, including gloves, aprons, masks, and surgical scrubs used to reduce the risk of infection or illness.

Incident

An unpleasant and unusual event that compromises health and safety, such as accidents, emergencies, disease outbreaks, or missing persons.

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The independent regulator of health and adult social care in England.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The national regulator for workplace health and safety covering the whole of the UK.

Legislation

Laws or guidance passed by the government to protect people and provide a framework for maintaining good practice.

Equality Act (2010)

Legislation that protects people from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation based on protected characteristics.

Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)

NHS organisations responsible for planning health services, managing budgets, and facilitating partnership working within specific areas.

The Children Act (2004)

Legislation based on the 'paramountcy principle' that requires agencies to share information and work together to protect children at risk of harm.

Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR)

The implementation of general data protection regulations following seven key principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, and accountability.

Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

Also known as HASAW, it is the main piece of health and safety legislation in the UK defining responsibilities for employers and employees.

Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992)

Regulations aimed at protecting practitioners and service users from harm caused by moving or handling people or objects.

COSHH (2002)

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health; regulations requiring employers to protect staff and visitors from hazardous materials like cleaning chemicals or medication.

RIDDOR (2013)

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations; requires service providers to keep written records of and report serious workplace accidents to the HSE.

Individuality

The combination of a person's diverse characteristics, personality, and life experiences that dictates how they want to access and receive care.

Dignity

Ensuring all service users are treated in a caring way that supports their choices and maintains their self-esteem without humiliation.

The 6Cs

A set of values essential for quality care: Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment.

Safeguarding

The practice of protecting the well-being and health of service users so they can be free from neglect, harm, and abuse.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The person in a care setting responsible for the safeguarding policy, staff training, and referring concerns to appropriate agencies.

DBS

The Disclosure and Barring Service, which conducts criminal record checks on staff to protect vulnerable service users.

CPD

Continuous Professional Development; the opportunity for staff to develop new skills or update knowledge regarding current legislation and procedures.