This module provides a basis for critical discussion of fundamental concepts in Healthcare, Law and Ethics, by focusing on topical issues in professional practice and those which arise particularly in the professional/patient relationship. The areas covered include:
- Autonomy and consent - adults, minors and incompetent patients
- Responsibility and accountability - medical negligence, litigation and reform
- Confidentiality - subject access, professional guidelines, disclosure to third parties
- The origins of life - moral and legal status of the embryo, embryo research
- Abortion and neonaticide
- Assisted reproduction
- Clinical research. Biotechnology.
- Organ transplantation - live and cadaveric donors
- Ending life - euthanasia

Whole group sessions - will provide the basic knowledge of the ethical and legal concepts which relate to healthcare relationships and issues.


Small group sessions - A series of small group sessions will examine particular aspects of Health Care Law and Ethics. A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to encourage and develop active, independent learning. Eg learning exercises and student presentations in addition to the more traditional tutor-led group discussions and debate. Both forms of tutorials provide opportunities to develop, question and enhance basic knowledge of the subject. Some topics are partly addressed through self-directed study plans which enable you to act independently in planning, managing and developing your research skills within a clearly defined framework.

Directed study and independent learning - Principally this will consist of research and preparation for tutorials. Students are referred to current and recently reported cases which require the use of online databases. Students are provided with a workplan for a designated topic which enables them to carry out directed research on a particular topic. Completion of tutorial reflective assessment forms at the end of each tutorial will encourage students to assess their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses and manage their time more effectively.

Written assignment (Semester One) 3,000 words, which will assess learning outcomes 1 - 6. (50%)

2 hour unseen examination (Semester Two), which will assess learning outcomes 1 - 4 and 6. (50%)


Additional Assessment Details:


Working towards the assessment tasks will be a key element of the learning, and tutors will be available to guide students through the process. Face to face contact sessions focussed on assessment activities will be scheduled into the timetable.

Texts as detailed below. In addition students will require access to well stocked law library; which includes the use of specialist packages such as Westlaw UK, Lexis Nexis and Lawtel.

Brazier, Margaret, and Cave, Emma, Medicine, Patients and the Law, (5th Ed Penguin 2011)
Mason, J.K and Laurie, G.T. Mason and McCall Smith’s Law and Medical Ethics (9th Ed OUP 2013)
CASEBOOK
Jackson, Emily, Medical Law: Text, Cases and Materials (3rd Ed OUP 2013)
It is also helpful to have a book about ethics for example Harris, John, The Value of Life (Routledge 2012)

1. DEVELOPMENT OF A CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAW AND ETHICS AS THEY RELATE TO HEALTHCARE PRACTICE.
Knowledge and Understanding
Reflection

2. DEVELOPMENT OF THE ABILITY TO CRITICALLY ASSESS THE ETHICAL AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS ARISING FROM HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL/PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS.
Analysis

3. ABILITY TO CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE LEGAL AND ETHICAL DILEMMAS WHICH ARISE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND THE DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP.
Analysis
Reflection

4. ABILITY TO CRITICALLY EVALUATE AND APPLY THE LAW IN DEALING WITH COMPLEX ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN HEALTHCARE.
Analysis
Application

5. ABILITY TO ENGAGE IN DIRECTED RESEARCH, USING APPROPRIATE STRATEGIES
Enquiry

6. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE AND ANALYSE INFORMATION, IDEAS, PROBLEMS, AND SOLUTIONS IN WRITTEN FORM
Communication