Learning Outcomes:
Successful completion of this module will enable the student to:
1. Define professional ethics and have a thorough understanding of CORU’s Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Physiotherapists.
2. Explain ethical & legal issues and the professional responsibilities as defined by the Health & Social Care Professionals Council (CORU).
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the Irish Legal system and describe the obligations of the physiotherapist and/or employer hospital within this framework.
4. Define and differentiate appropriate legal terms.
5. Define the concept of consent and its implications to examinations in a Physiotherapy Department or private practice.
Indicative Module Content:
Ethical issues and the Law; Human experimentation and International Declarations. Introduction to Irish Legal system.
CORU; Registration Boards & their functions; CPD; Fitness to Practice; Health and Social Care Professionals Act, 2005.
Professional Negligence: Application to professional practice and lessons from case law.
The concept of consent in practice.
Medical records; Privacy and confidentiality and the purpose and function of medico-legal reports.