Case study
Critically analyse the cultural, ethical, moral and legal principles of an aspect of care delivery within
your area of practice.
You should choose a scenario – this could be something discussed as part of the module, something
you have read about, or an area of your clinical practice. It is important to remember that
confidentiality must be maintained. Do not name hospitals/trusts etc
This is a 3000-word piece of work worth 100% of the total marks for this module which assesses all
the Module Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate an awareness to link practice with current legal principles of care delivery and
impact of non-adherence
2. Establish and interpret the guidelines protecting the public within the context of fitness to
practice
3. Critically debate the role of the healthcare professional in relation to the decision-making
processes from a legal and ethical perspectiv
4. Demonstrate the ability to substantiate via critical debate the challenges of major ethical
decision frameworks within the context of professional practice
5. An understanding of the current ethical principles to healthcare practice and demonstrate
knowledge and an understanding of healthcare legislation that impacts on healthcare
6. An understanding and knowledge of current legal and ethical principles and their impact upon
healthcare practice
Your work should be set out in a standard essay format:
The introduction should:
•
Introduce the assignment topic, include an overview of the use of law and ethics in healthcare.
• Briefly explain what you will be discussing in the main body
• State you will be using the academic and critiquing skills developed in the module
• Give a statement that that confidentiality has been maintained and reference NMC
(2018). Remember to keep all names fictitious – don’t use any individual’s name or give the
place
The main body of your work should:
• Provide the reader with the scenario – give an overview of the case (scenario). Keep to the
facts of what happened. No need to mention drugs / medication.
• Use a new paragraph to discuss each different point/subject:
Follow your work on from the first paragraph and continue to debate/discuss law and ethics
to progress it. Make use of the module content and the ethical principles to debate the
scenario – debate the law.
• You should include and discuss mental health law and consent in children even if your case
does not directly relate to them.
.Progress your work logically and use the learning outcomes to help you do so in a focussed
manner – Remember that – You are NOT the judge or the jury – your role is to keep objective
and debate the case from a legal and ethical perspective. Keep to the facts.
• Demonstrate your skills in searching, citing and critically analysing relevant literature
• Use your writing to demonstrate your academic writing skills
• Include critical analysis of the literature
• Use in-text citations correctly and make sure your reference list is accurate.
• Proofread your work for spelling and grammar. You are marked on these as well as on the
structure and content of your essay.
The conclusion should:
• Provide an overview of what has been discussed in the main body
• Draw your ideas/findings together
• Not include any new facts/information/discussion
• Be short and concise
