PSW1 Test 2 Review Notes
1. Definitions
Delegated Task: A task that has been assigned by a qualified individual to another person, which may involve enhancing efficiency and accountability within a care framework.
Assigned Task: A specific duty given to an employee or caregiver that must be performed as per the outlined duties. This is typically a core responsibility associated with the role.
Care Conference: A formal meeting where healthcare professionals, clients, and families come together to discuss the care plan, needs, and expectations in relation to the patient’s healthcare.
Accountability: The expectation that healthcare providers must be responsible for their actions and decisions regarding patient care and treatment.
Assault: An act that creates a fear or apprehension of harmful or offensive contact in another person. It does not require physical damage.
Battery: The unlawful physical act that causes physical harm to someone; it often follows an assault and involves actual physical contact.
Invasion of Privacy: A breach into someone’s personal space or affairs without their consent, diminishing the person's right to privacy.
Substitute Decision Maker: An individual authorized to make decisions on behalf of someone who is unable to do so, often due to incapacity or legal reasons.
Legislation: The body of laws and regulations enacted by a governing authority, which outlines rules for practice and patient rights in healthcare.
False Imprisonment: The unlawful restraint of an individual’s freedom of movement; in healthcare, this can occur when a patient is confined against their will.
Restraint: The application of physical, mechanical, or chemical means to limit a patient’s movement; should only be used when necessary for safety.
Negligence: A failure to provide appropriate care, resulting in harm to a patient; involves an act of omission or commission that breaches the standard of care.
OH&S Legislation: Occupational Health and Safety laws designed to ensure workplace health, safety, and welfare of employees and clients in healthcare settings.
Advanced Care Directive: A legal document where individuals outline their preferences for medical treatment and interventions, in case they become unable to communicate their wishes.
2. Client Rights
Identify the Client Rights: Clients have the right to informed consent, confidentiality, respect, autonomy, and the right to complain without fear of retaliation.
5 Ways to Maintain a Client’s Privacy:
Ensure confidentiality of client information.
Use private communication methods when discussing client details.
Ensure physical privacy during care procedures.
Limit access to client data to necessary personnel only.
Store client records securely and limit data sharing.
5 Examples of Negligence:
Failing to document a client’s health changes.
Using outdated or improper techniques or equipment.
Failing to follow established protocols for care.
Not responding to a client’s call for help in a timely manner.
Neglecting to provide necessary care as agreed in the care plan.
3. Ethics
4 Principles of Ethics:
Autonomy: Respecting the individual's right to make their own decisions.
Beneficence: The duty to promote good and act in the best interest of the patient.
Non-maleficence: The principle of doing no harm to patients.
Justice: The obligation to treat individuals equitably and distribute resources fairly.
Definition of Ethics: The study of what is right and wrong, serving as a guide for moral decision-making in healthcare.
Differences Between Ethics and Morals: Ethics are externally governed by societal rules, while morals are personal beliefs about what is right and wrong.
Principles of Ethical Decision Making:
Identify the ethical issues involved.
Gather all relevant information.
Identify the stakeholders.
Consider the available options.
Make a decision based on ethical reasoning.
Evaluate the outcome of the decision.
Considerations in Facing Ethical Dilemmas:
The impact of decisions on the client and their family.
Legal and institutional policies.
Personal values and morals.
Potential consequences of actions taken or not taken.
4. Home Care
Independent Work for Clients: Prior to taking a job, a PSW should conduct a thorough assessment of the client’s needs, confirm working conditions, clarify roles and responsibilities, and establish clear communication with other healthcare providers involved in the client's care.
5. Multidisciplinary Team
Definition: A group of healthcare professionals from diverse fields who collaborate to provide comprehensive care and address the varied needs of clients.
Advantages of Working in a Multidisciplinary Team:
Enhanced collaborative care and shared knowledge.
Comprehensive support tailored to handle complex client needs.
Improved patient outcomes through coordinated efforts.
Opportunities for professional development and learning from peers.
Increased efficiency and effectiveness in care delivery.
6. Delegation
Definition: The act of assigning responsibility for a specific task to another qualified individual, allowing for optimal use of resources and skills.
5 Rights of Delegation:
Right task
Right circumstance
Right person
Right direction/communication
Right supervision/evaluation
Steps of the Delegation Process:
Assess the client’s needs.
Determine which tasks can be delegated.
Choose the right person to delegate to.
Provide clear instructions and expectations.
Monitor and evaluate the outcome of the delegated task.
Circumstances to Refuse a Delegated Task:
Lack of competence or training to perform the task.
Unclear or insufficient instruction has been provided.
Concerns about the safety or well-being of the patient.
Existing workload is too heavy or distracting from critical duties.
7. Communication
Communication in Homecare Settings: Providing reports and information in home care requires clarity, directness, and sensitivity to the patient’s environment and emotional state, often relying heavily on personal interactions rather than formal documentation.
8. Competency
Definition of Competency: The ability of a professional to provide effective and appropriate care, based on knowledge, skills, and the application of ethical and legal guidelines.
How a PSW Can Remain Competent:
Engage in regular training and continuous education.
Participate in peer reviews and professional development opportunities.
Stay updated with evolving practices and protocols in health care.
Seek constructive feedback to improve skills and knowledge.
9. Informed Consent
Definition of Informed Consent: A legal and ethical process by which a patient voluntarily agrees to a proposed treatment or procedure after being informed of its risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Principles of Informed Consent:
Voluntary participation without coercion.
Comprehensive information about the procedure or treatment.
Understanding of risks and benefits for informed decision-making.
The capacity to make a decision, which includes mental competence and comprehension.
Right to withdraw consent at any time without penalty.