REVISION QUESTIONS WEEK 5

QUESTIONS:

1. Define lack of competency.
2. In your own words define accountability.
3. Write a brief description of the main points/recommendations of the Kennedy Report.
4. Describe the differences between legislation and case law.
5. In your own words define negligence.
6. Write a short paragraph to identify the relevance of the main points of the Bolam case to your own nursing practice.

ANSWERS:

1. Lack of competency is not having the knowledge, skill or judgement that a health professionals requires to practice. However, not having competence makes them unfit and unsafe to practise effectively. Examples include unable to work in a team and finding it difficult in communicating with colleagues and patients/clients.

2. Accountability is taking responsibility for your actions, omissions, decisions, and behaviour even though others may have directed you.

3. Main points from the Kennedy Report were:
· Respect and honesty
· Health service well led by competent health professionals
· Safety of care
· Care of a suitable standard
· Public involvement through empowerment
· Care of children

4. Legislation is through parliament and needs to be read three times, whereas case law is judgement in court. For example the g
Gillick case where the daughter wanted contraception.

5. Neglience is being unprofessional which involves failing to exercise the level of care that a reasonable nurse possessing the same knowledge would have exercised under the same circumstances.

6. bolom claimed the doctor was being negligent