FLME41030

The overall aim of the module is to develop an understanding of the role and responsibility of a physiotherapist in a legal context and to give the student a working knowledge of professionalism and medico-legal matters pertinent to present day and future clinical practice. Students will be introduced to the Irish legal system and will gain an understanding of the Irish Court System.

Students will be educated on consent, and consent policies, including when consent must be obtained, who can give it, capacity to consent and the protocol for individuals who lack the capacity to give consent. Issues surrounding minors and consent will also be covered, along with refusal of treatment. Informed consent and the provision of necessary information by the healthcare professional prior to treatment is covered.

Students will be introduced to CORU’s Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Physiotherapists. This handbook details important information surrounding the standards of ethical behaviour expected by Physiotherapists, with a focus on the three main responsibilities of the Physiotherapist; conduct, performance and ethics. Important issues are included such as acting within the limits of your knowledge, skills, competence and experience, understanding when onward referral to another appropriate professional is required, along with respecting the confidentiality and privacy of service users. Similarly, the limits of confidentiality and informing service users of circumstances where information may be shared in order to provide effective care or when disclosure is mandated by law will also be covered.

Students will gain insight into CORU’s Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements to ensure best physiotherapy practices, important aspects of professional conduct and fitness to practice. This module will also explore duty of care in the medical context, breach of duty and medical negligence.Understanding the legal duty to keep and consult medical records. Records must be accurate, legible, objective, up-to-date and adhere to the relevant documentation standards.