Ethics
explores the reasons behind decisions
Consequentialism
– examining the outcome and deciding what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Most popular being utilitarianism.
Non – consequentialism
examines the ‘right’ or wrong of the decision despite consequence of action. Most popular is deontology.
Utilitarianism
seeking pleasure and avoiding pain
Deontology
rules must be followed no matter what the consequence.
‘The action that is considered ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ not the consequence’.
Virtue ethics
maintains that if we are ‘virtuous’ or ‘morally’ good we will naturally act correctly in accordance with our character.
Virtue
trait or quality deemed to be morally good e.g. honesty, kindness and patience
Non- maleficence
obligation of a physician not to harm the patient.
Justice
people are to be treated fairly, properly, and reasonably by the law and by arbiters of the law.
Autonomy
ability to make your own decisions rather than being influenced by others telling you what to do.
5 roles of RCVS:
- Maintain register
- Setting standards
- Investigating complaints
- Supporting education
- Promoting animal wealth and welfare
Microchipping of Dogs (England) regulations 2015 –
- All dogs aged 8 weeks and over must now be microchipped and registered onto an approved DEFRA microchipping database.
- If you do not follow this you will be served a notice to get the dog chipped within 21 days, if not followed you will be at risk of a £500 fine.
Animal welfare organisations:
International Cat Care
Royal College of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) –
Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) –
Health and safety at work act 1974
health and safety executive enforce the act with powers to inspect, issue improvement notices and prosecute non-compliance.
Aims to reduce accidents and illness by fostering a culture of safety in all work environments.
Applies to all businesses.
Employee responsibilities:
- Ensuring they know how to use and maintain equipment safely such as z-ray machines.
- Identify and report risk/hazards to the appropriate people.
- Keeping themselves and others around them safe from harm
- Follow the requirements to maintain on the register
Employer responsibilities:
- Ensuring they follow protocols.
- Ensure people are following industry regulations such as VSA 1966
- Carry out risk assessments to identify common hazards.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of procedures carried out by vet staff and implement new policies if needed.
- Ensuring equipment is regularly tested and safe to use.
- Ensuring people carry out CPD on protocols and. Procedures.
Control of substances hazardous to health COSSH
aims to control and limit the exposure to substances that are hazardous to health.
Hazardous drugs:
- Anaesthetic gasses
- cytotoxic drugs
- Chlorohexidine and iodine
- Zoonotic pathogens
- Formaldehyde
- Sharps
- Ethylene oxide
Misuse of drugs regulations 2001 and the misuse of drugs act 1971
provides specific rules for the lawful possession, supply, production and handling of controlled drugs.
Establishes detailed guidelines on how vets can lawfully use controlled substances in treating animals.
Reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations (RIDDOR)
requires employers and other people in charge of work premises to report and keep records of
* Work related fatalities
* Major work related injuries
* Diagnosed cases of reportable occupational diseases
* certain dangerous occurrences
4 stages of risk assessment:
- Identifies the hazard
- Decide who might be harmed and how
- Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
- Record significant findings and review the assessment and update
Informed consent
given after considering a range of reasonable treatment options associated with a range of factors. Clients are only able to give informed consent if they are fully aware of costs, treatment plan, benefits and drawbacks to each treatment and procedure.
Types of consent:
- Verbal – given orally, can be used over the phone if owner isn’t present.
- Written – documented consent on a form needing for admitting for surgical and diagnostic procedures. Provides
- Expressed – clear and explicitly given. Can be verbally or written.
- Implied – inferred from owners’ actions. Eg owner bringing in animal into the practice.
accountability
being responsible for your actions/decisions
