Vital Notes for Nurses: Accountability

Helen Caulfield is a Solicitor and Policy Advisor at the RCN. She is a member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel and a leading expert on regulation and health law effecting nursing.

'This is an excellent book for nurses preparing for the register and continuing guide and source of reflection for those further on in their careers.'Nursing Standard (5 star rating)

• Preface xiii1 A Framework of Accountability for Nurses 1Learning objectives 1Introduction 1A framework of accountability 2The first pillar of accountability: professional accountability 4The second pillar of accountability: ethical accountability 5The third pillar of accountability: legal accountability 7The fourth pillar of accountability: employment accountability 8Conclusion 10Useful websites 14References 142 The First Pillar of Accountability: Professional Accountability 15Learning objectives 15Introduction 15A classification of regulation in professional accountability 16The function of regulation in professional accountability 18Regulatory bodies for professional accountability 19The Nursing and Midwifery Council 22Other codes of conduct and guidance 27The future of professional accountability 29Useful websites 29References 303 The Second Pillar of Accountability: Ethical Accountability 31Learning objectives 31Introduction 32Autonomy 33Paternalism 35Utilitarianism 36Equity 38Best interests 39Trust and truth 40Acts and omissions 42Application to accountability 44Useful websites 44References 454 The Third Pillar of Accountability: Legal Accountability 46Learning objectives 46Introduction 47What is law? 48Why is law important? 48Where is law made? 50How is law made? 51Who are lawyers? 54Types of law 55European law and devolution in the UK 60Application to accountability 61Useful websites 62References 625 The Fourth Pillar of Accountability: Employment Accountability 63Learning objectives 63Introduction 64The employment relationship 64Types of employment relationship 67The contract of employment 69Protocols and policies 70Working Time Directive 71Discrimination 71Family rights 73Unfair dismissal and redundancy 75Health and safety 77Application to accountability 78Useful websites 79References 796 Structures: The Health Service 81Learning objectives 81Introduction 81The Health Service and devolution in the UK 82Rights to treatment and resources 86Quality standards 90Application to accountability 94Useful websites 95References 957 Structures: Rights and Redress 97Learning objectives 97Introduction 97Human rights 98Redress in health care 103Application to accountability 110Useful websites 110References 1108 Concepts: Negligence 112Learning objectives 112Introduction 113The first principle: duty of care 114The second principle: breaking the duty of care 116The third principle: causation 118The fourth principle: compensation 119Employers’ liability and indemnity insurance 121Contributory negligence and time limits 122Assault 123Application to accountability 124Useful website 125References 1259 Concepts: Consent 126Learning objectives 126Introduction 126Why consent is important 127The three principles of consent 130Consent and young people 133Consent and adults 136Emergency treatment 138Consent forms 139Conclusion 139Useful websites 140References 14010 Applications: Confidentiality 141Learning objectives 141Introduction 141Legal accountability 143Professional accountability 147Ethical accountability 150Employment accountability 152Practical tips for protecting confidentiality in clinical relationships 154Conclusion 155Useful websites 155References 15511 Further Applications in Accountability 157Learning objectives 157Introduction 157Abortion and conscientious objection 158Scenario 159Palliative care and gifts 164Scenario 164Conclusion 170Useful websites 170References 171Index 173