Duty of Care

Course Overview

In this Ausmed Education mandatory module, explore the topic of what constitutes a duty, focusing on how this duty may be breached and the resulting consequences. The expectation is that you will develop a clear understanding of your legal and professional accountabilities as you fulfil your responsibility in the provision of patient care. You will also review what standards of care are reasonably expected by healthcare providers and what consequences may occur should these standards not be met.

Learning Outcomes

• Be clear about the extent of your duty of care.

• Understand the reasonable standard of practice expectation in your health setting.

• Recognise the consequences of not providing sufficient duty of care.

Target Audience

Nurses and all staff who work in healthcare.

Validation of learning:

• Evidence that you have read relevant legislation and standards relating to your work.

• Evidence you have reviewed the policies and procedures in your workplace.

• A written summary of a journal article or book chapter you have recently read relating to your duty of care.

Disclosure

This material was developed by the content expert listed below. It is presented by a professional presenter.

Educator

Linda Starr

Dr Linda Starr has undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in general, mental health nursing, law, education and a PhD in legal issues in elder abuse. Linda has extensive experience as an RN in metropolitan and rural locations, in general nursing, mental health, forensic health, aged care and management. She has held senior positions in academia, including the dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Linda has publications in health law and forensic health issues. Linda is an associate professor in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Flinders University and a consultant educator in health law and ethics for nurses, midwives and carers. She is chair of the SA Board of Nursing and Midwifery, fellow of the College of Nursing Australia, foundation president of the Australian Forensic Nurses Association, member on the School of Health Academic Advisory Board for Open Colleges and the international member on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Forensic Nursing.