Description

A range of generic and profession-specific cases, including examples from various healthcare disciplines, has been set up in a database. These cases have been compiled by means of students' reflective writing assignments, from actual legal cases, or by subject lecturers. 

Intended educational value

The cases will help students to realize professional roles within the multi-disciplinary healthcare set-up and integrate ethical and legal aspects within clinical practice.

Example of application

Cases on the website have been used during teaching sessions, to show students how ethical and legal aspects may impact on clinical practice. Students often see the study of law and ethics as peripheral to their main learning, so authentic cases can help them to see the relevance of related issues to their own professional practice.

Evaluation/Comments

Cases which have been acquired and developed during the current study were housed within a new learning resource, i.e. a website which may be accessed by all staff and students of FHSS, PolyU. These cases may be used to give relevance to law and ethics in healthcare for specific disciplines and guide students in understanding how law and ethics relate to clinical practice. The website is also of value to academic staff as it provides a shared resource which they can use as they feel appropriate to their specific teaching. As mew funding has been secured, it was determined that a more thorough evaluation of the present study could be carried out based on further developments arising from the ongoing study. The evaluation will involve e-questionnaires and interviews with students and tutors who have accessed and utilized the website and feedback from EDC staff and professionals from various healthcare disciplines. 

Note: For access to the materials, contact Dr Peter White (htpwhite@inet.polyu.edu.hk).