Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Content

Module 1. Bioethics and health: Health as a ‘human good’

What is health and what is its relation to healthcare?

• Where did healthcare come from?
• Introduction to ethics, ethical thought, and bio-ethical principles.

Some moral principles for healthcare practice:

• Human good and common good
• Do no harm, show compassion, prioritise the greatest need
• Just allocation
• Respect for dignity of every person

Conscience:

• The relationship between ethics and law
• Ethical relativism and pluralism

Module 2. Bioethics and health professionals: Virtues of healthcare practice

Virtues:

• Prudence
• Compassion
• Transparency
• Veracity
• Empathy
• Courage

Autonomy and informed consent:

• Non-maleficence and negligence
• Beneficence and the duty of care

Moral conflict in the workplace:

• Ethical decision-making

Module 3. Bioethics and society: Healthcare contributions to society

Justice:

• The distribution of healthcare resources
• Social justice
• Responsibilities to the environment

Human vulnerability and advocacy:

• Ethical health research

Professional Codes of Ethics/Conduct:

• Professional integrity

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit requires students to undertake 150 hours of focused learning to achieve the unit learning outcomes. It has two delivery patterns: i) a standard full-semester pattern scheduled nationally; and ii) an intensive pattern scheduled off-shore. Learning associated with both full-semester and intensive delivery patterns employs multiple means of access and engagement with scaffolded learning content, including face-to-face teaching activities (tutorials), online activities (lectures, learning modules, and tutorials), assessment items, and self-directed study.

This ethical theory unit connects to discipline theory and professional practice units and enables students to develop skills in ethical practice to inform further learning in subsequent units of study. The unit includes moderate face-to-face teaching hours and an increasing online component of learning to build life-long learning skills (the pattern of these teaching hours will vary between full semester and intensive delivery patterns). Lectures convey content on core ethical principles, while tutorials deliver interactive student driven learning sessions exploring the application of this theory to health care practice, in a collaborative manner. Online materials provide multiple opportunities to engage with the core ethical concepts of the unit as they apply to a diverse range of healthcare areas, in a self-directed and reflective manner.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Midwife Standards for Practice

In connection to the learning outcomes, these Midwife standards for practice provide a framework for midwifery practice in all contexts. They also inform women, and others including consumers, those who regulate, educate, collaborate with and manage midwives on what to expect from a midwife’s practice.

• NMBA(MIDW)2

  Relating to

  Engages in professional relationships and respectful partnerships

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• NMBA(MIDW)2.3

  Relating to

  Practises ethically, with respect for dignity, privacy, confidentiality, equity and justice

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• NMBA(MIDW)3

  Relating to

  Demonstrates the capability and accountability for midwifery practice

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• NMBA(MIDW)3.2

  Relating to

  Practises within relevant legal parameters and professional standards, codes and guidelines

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• NMBA(MIDW)3.6

  Relating to

  Uses relevant processes to identify, document and manage complexity and risk

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse Standards for Practice

In connection to the learning outcomes, these are the national Registered nurse standards for practice for all RNs. Together with NMBA standards, codes and guidelines, these Registered nurse standards for practice should be evident in current practice, and inform the development of the scopes of practice and aspirations of RNs.

• NMBA(RN)1

  Relating toThinks critically and analyses nursing practice

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• NMBA(RN)1.2

  Relating toDevelops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• NMBA(RN)1.5

  Relating toUses ethical frameworks when making decisions

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• NMBA(RN)2

  Relating toEngages in therapeutic and professional relationships

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• NMBA(RN)2.5

  Relating toAdvocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person’s autonomy and legal capacity

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• NMBA(RN)3

  Relating toMaintains the capability for practice

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• NMBA(RN)3.2

  Relating toProvides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• NMBA(RN)3.6

  Relating toActively engages with the profession, and

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

Paramedicine Board of Australia Professional Capabilities for Registered Paramedics

The Paramedicine Board of Australia is responsible for assessing, consulting on and setting the standards for paramedics practicing in Australia. These standards and relevant domains are articulated in the Professional Capabilities for a Registered Paramedic document. The learning outcomes of this unit are matched to the relevant capabilities, in order to align your development with the requirements of a paramedic.  

• PBA Domain 1

  Relating to

  The professional and ethical practitioner

  This domain covers paramedics’ responsibility to be professional and ethical, and to practise with professional autonomy and accountability within the current medico-legal framework. It also addresses their responsibility for ensuring that patient confidentiality and privacy is always maintained, while recognising the potential role as a patient advocate.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• PBA Domain 1.1

  Relating to

  Practise ethically and professionally, consistent with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements

  
  

  • Demonstrate understanding of: reporting obligations, legal responsibilities, legal requirements, ethical and professional responsibilities, and the legal and ethical boundaries of paramedicine practice.
  • Manage personal, mental and physical health to ensure fitness to practice.
  • Follow mandatory and voluntary reporting obligations. • Apply the Paramedicine Board of Australia’s Code of conduct to their practice.
  • Provide relevant information to a patient and demonstrate appropriate methods to obtain informed consent.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Australia’s healthcare systems, their standards and requirements.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the basic principles underpinning bio- ethics in paramedicine practice.
  • Demonstrate culturally safe practice when providing healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
  • Exercise appropriate levels of autonomy and professional judgement in a variety of practice settings.
  • Operate within the current legislation applicable to paramedicine practice.
  • Practise in accordance with the applicable legislation governing the safe use of scheduled medicines by paramedics in the jurisdiction of practice.

  Legal responsibilities may include an understanding of responsibilities contained in relevant Commonwealth, state and territory legislation and regulations, specific responsibilities to maintain confidentiality, confirm informed consent and exercising duty of care.

  Informed consent is a person’s voluntary decision about healthcare that is made with knowledge and understanding of the benefits and risks involved.

  Principles underpinning bio-ethics must include: respect the rights of the individual, respect the autonomy of the individual, cause no harm, and advance the common good.

  Relevant aspects of the Australian health care systems may include knowledge of service provision arrangements, the structure of the health system, points of access and the range of roles that paramedics may play within that structure.

  Key elements of fitness to practise must include competence, professionalism, including a sense of responsibility and accountability, self-awareness and professional values, sound mental health and the capacity to maintain health and wellbeing for practice.

  Reporting obligations must include making a notification about the health (impairment), conduct or performance of a registered health practitioner that may be placing the public at risk; as well as of their own impairments to practice.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• PBA Domain 1.2

  Relating to

  Provide each patient with an appropriate level of dignity and care

  
  

  • Demonstrate understanding of the influence of socio-cultural factors on patient attitudes and behaviour.
  • Display appropriate professional behaviour in patient interactions.
  • Provide culturally safe care for all patients.
  • Identify and respect appropriate boundaries between patients and health professionals.
  • Assess each situation, determine the nature and severity of the problem and apply the required knowledge and experience to provide a response that is in the best interest of the patient/s.
  • Facilitating advance care planning where appropriate.

  Socio-cultural factors may include those related to cultural and linguistic diversity, age, gender, disability, socio-economic, geographic locations; and identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

  Appropriate professional behaviour must include behaviour that:

  • is culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to access safe and responsive healthcare, free of racism
  • respects socio-cultural difference, is empathetic and non-discriminatory, regardless of individuals’ or groups’ race, culture, religion, age, gender identity, sexuality, physical or mental state, and
  • respects, and so far as possible, upholds the rights, dignity, values and autonomy of every patient. This includes their role in the diagnostic and therapeutic process and in maintaining health and well being.

  Cultural Safety is determined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities. Culturally safe practise is the ongoing critical reflection of health practitioner knowledge, skills, attitudes, practicing behaviours and power differentials in delivering safe, accessible and responsive healthcare free from racism.

  • To ensure culturally safe and respectful practice, health practitioners must:
  • acknowledge colonisation and systemic racism, social, cultural, behavioural and economic factors which affect individual and community health
  • acknowledge and address individual racism, their own biases, assumptions, stereotypes and prejudices and provide care that is holistic, free of bias and racism
  • recognise the importance of self-determined decision- making, partnership and collaboration in healthcare which is driven by the individual, family and community, and
  • foster a safe working environment through leadership to support the rights and dignity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and colleagues.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• PBA Domain 1.3

  Relating to

  Assume responsibility, and accept accountability, for professional decisions

  
  

  • Recognise and respond appropriately to unsafe or unprofessional practice.
  • Integrate organisational directives, policies, procedures and guidelines with Professional standards.
  • Apply relevant quality frameworks and processes to practice.

  Quality frameworks may include workplace specific frameworks, relevant jurisdictional publications and the Australian Safety and Quality Framework for Health Care published by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• PBA Domain 1.4

  Relating to

  Advocate on behalf of the patient, when appropriate in the context of the practitioner’s practice as a paramedic

  
  

  • Demonstrate understanding of the principles of patient advocacy and their application to paramedicine practice.
  • Recognise when it may be appropriate to intervene on the patient’s behalf.

  Principles of advocacy may include supporting and promoting the rights and interests of individuals, helping individuals to achieve or maintain their rights and representing their needs.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• PBA Domain 2

  Relating to

  The communicator and the collaborator

  This domain covers paramedics’ responsibility to use appropriate, clear and effective communication. It also addresses their responsibility to ensure that they always function effectively with other healthcare team members.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• PBA Domain 2.1

  Relating to

  Communicate clearly, sensitively and effectively with the patient and other relevant people 

  
  

  • Establish a rapport with the patient to gain understanding of their issues and perspectives, and to encourage their active participation and partnership in care and/or treatment.
  • Communicate with the patient and/or other relevant people to collect and convey information and reach an agreement about the purpose of any care and treatment.
  • Convey knowledge and procedural information in ways that engender trust and confidence, and respects patient confidentiality, privacy and dignity.
  • Respond appropriately to patient queries or issues.
  • Use appropriate communication skills to effectively manage avoidance, confusion and confrontation particularly with those who cannot communicate verbally or physically.
  • Identify and effectively manage communication barriers, including anxiety and stress, specific to individual patients and/or carers.
  • Make appropriate adjustments to communication style to suit the needs of the patient including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
  • Make provisions to engage third parties, including interpreters, to facilitate effective communication with patients whose first language is not English, whenever possible.

  Communication needs may be influenced by English language skills, health literacy, age, health status and culture.

  Appropriate adjustments may include the paramedic demonstrating an awareness of the ways that their own culture and experience affect their interpersonal style and having an awareness of strategies to ensure this does not present an impediment.

  Communication techniques must include active listening, use of appropriate language and detail, use of appropriate verbal and non-verbal cues and language, written skills and confirming that the other person has understood.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• PBA Domain 2.2

  Relating to

  Collaborate with other health practitioners

  
  

  • Establish and maintain effective and respectful collaborative working relationships as a member of a healthcare team.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of professional roles and responsibilities of healthcare team members and other service providers and how they interact with the role of a paramedic.
  • Follow appropriate protocols, procedures and guidelines to give and receive relevant and timely verbal and written communication.
  • Effectively supervise tasks delegated to other healthcare team members.
  • Consult effectively with healthcare team members and other relevant people to facilitate continuity of care.
  • Make appropriate referrals, delegations and handovers to other healthcare team members and other service providers.

  Healthcare team members may include registered health practitioners, accredited health professionals, volunteers, licensed and unlicensed healthcare workers, police, fire and other emergency service personnel.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

• PBA Domain 3

  Relating to

  The evidence-based practitioner

  This domain covers paramedics’ responsibility to engage in evidence-based practice and to critically monitor their actions through a range of reflective processes. It also addresses their responsibility for identifying, planning and implementing their ongoing professional learning and development needs.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2

• PBA Domain 3.1

  Relating to

  Make informed and reasonable decisions

  
  

  • Operate within a framework of making informed, evidence-based, reasonable and professional judgements about their practice, with acting in the best interests of their patients as their primary concern.
  • Make sensible, practical, and culturally safe decisions about their practice, taking account of all relevant information and the best interests of the people who use, or are affected by, the service being provided.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2

• PBA Domain 4

  Relating to

  The safety and risk management practitioner

  This domain covers paramedics’ responsibility to protect patients and others from harm by managing and responding to the risks inherent in paramedicine practice. It also addresses their responsibility to ensure high-quality professional services are provided for the benefit of patients and others.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

• PBA Domain 4.1

  Relating to

  Protect and enhance patient safety

  
  

  • Follow patient identification procedures to confirm the correct match of a patient with the intended procedure, care and/or treatment.
  • Obtain valid informed consent when possible.
  • Identify and manage risks associated with patient transfers.
  • Ensure when patients are required to be moved it is in a considered and safe manner.
  • Identify and manage the risk of infection, including during aseptic procedures.

  Patient identification procedures for interfacility transfer and handover of a patient consistent with best practice approaches published by bodies such as the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in HealthCare.

  Infection prevention and control risk management: Registered paramedics must demonstrate an understanding of transmission modes of healthcare associated and community-acquired infections (host, agent and environment); established practices for preventing the transmission including effective hand hygiene; and ability to implement NHMRC infection prevention and control guidelines.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

• PBA Domain 4.2

  Relating to

  Maintain safety of self and others in the work environment 

  
  

  • Demonstrate knowledge of legal responsibilities for health and safety of self and others.
  • Identify safety hazards in the workplace and apply knowledge of responsibilities for notification.
  • Use dynamic risk assessment processes.
  • Use appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment.

  Responsibilities for notification of safety hazards may include protocols or instructions, legislation and regulations.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

• PBA Domain 4.4

  Relating to

  Maintain records appropriately

  
  

  • Record information systematically in an accessible and retrievable form.
  • Keep accurate, comprehensive, logical, legible and concise records.
  • Use only accepted terminology in completing patient records.
  • Review, communicate, record and manage patient information accurately, consistent with protocols, procedures and legislative requirements for maintaining patient records.

  Patient information management must comply with confidentiality and privacy. A registered paramedic must demonstrate awareness of the legislative requirements and any other relevant legislation about ownership, storage, retention and destruction of patient records and other practice documentation.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

• PBA Domain 4.5

  Relating to

  Monitor and review the ongoing effectiveness of their practice and modify it accordingly

  
  

  • Monitor and evaluate the quality of practice and the value of contributing to the generation of data for quality assurance and improvement programs.
  • Consider feedback from colleagues and critically reflect on their own paramedicine practice.
  • Make reasoned decisions to initiate, continue, modify or cease care or treatment, or the use of techniques or procedures, and record the decisions and reasoning appropriately.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

• PBA Domain 4.7

  Relating to

  Participate in the mentoring, teaching and development of others

  
  

  • Participate in guiding the learning of others.
  • Share knowledge with colleagues.
  • Support healthcare students to meet their learning objectives.
  • Share knowledge and experience relating to individual/group/unit problems with colleagues.
  • Contribute to orientation and ongoing education programs.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to participating in and contributing to the research process.
  • Display leadership and role modelling of culturally safe practice as members of the healthcare team.
  • Participate, where possible, in coaching and mentoring to help and develop colleagues.
  • Participate, where appropriate, in teaching others including paramedic students, those of other health and emergency services, disciplines and developing less experienced paramedics.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2

• PBA Domain 5

  Relating to

  The paramedicine practitioner

  This domain covers profession-specific knowledge, skills and capabilities required for practice as a registered paramedic

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2

• PBA Domain 5.1

  Relating to

  Use patient information management systems appropriately

  
  

  • Demonstrate knowledge of patient information management systems.
  • Understand the importance of the need for accurate and timely patient documentation.
  • Understand how the patient record forms part of the patient healthcare record.
  • Understand the legal requirements that pertain to completing and maintaining health records.
  • Ensure correct verification and management of information and patient privacy.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2

• PBA Domain 5.2

  Relating to

  Assess and monitor the patient capacity to receive care

  
  

  • Identify factors or conditions that may affect the patient behaviour and/or capacity to undergo the procedure.
  • Identify patients who are vulnerable or otherwise most at risk including those with mental health issues particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
  • Identify contraindications and limitations arising from the patient capacity to consent or refuse to receive care; determine appropriate adjustments to procedures; and, where appropriate, communicate these to the patient.
  • Perform patient assessment and interventions in accordance with legislation, registration standards, codes and guidelines, including gaining informed consent.
  • Identify and respond to a patient deteriorating condition, or inability to undergo a procedure or treatment, consistent with duty of care and statutory requirements.

  Patient capacity or behaviour may include pre-existing medical and/or physical and physiological conditions and other factors that may affect their capacity to receive care which includes culturally safe care.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2

• PBA Domain 5.4

  Relating to

  Conduct appropriate diagnostic or monitoring procedures, treatment, therapy or other actions safely

  
  

  • Maintain the safety of self, patients and those involved in their care.
  • Practice safely and effectively across the full range of patient presentations and circumstances.
  • Arrive at a reasonable working diagnosis.
  • Position for safe and effective interventions.
  • Demonstrate an applied knowledge of the indications and contra-indications of using specific paramedic interventions including their modifications.
  • Modify and adapt practice appropriate and inclusive of a culturally safe practice environment.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2

• PBA Domain 5.6

  Relating to

  Formulate specific and appropriate patient care and treatment actions

  
  

  • Adapt practice to meet the needs of different groups distinguished by, for example, physical, psychological, environmental, cultural or socio-economic factors within their authorised scope of practice.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to the factors which shape lifestyle that may impact on the individual’s health and affect the interaction between the patient and registered paramedic.
  • Utilise knowledge, reasoning and problem-solving skills to determine appropriate judgements and actions.
  • Prioritise the care provided to optimise safety and health outcomes for the patient and demonstrate a logical and systematic approach to problem-solving in a culturally safe framework.

  Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2