Ethical Issues and Decision Making

This module introduces students to analysis and reasoning in the tradition of philosophy and ethics. Various ethical theories and principles are discussed and applied to cases and issues relevant to nursing and health care. Ethical problems, judgements, and decisions will be analysed and explored from the perspective of various ethics theories, e.g., deontology, utilitarianism, virtue theory, etc. This module will enable nursing students to interrogate and understand the complex factors underpinning health and social care decision-making, embed critical thinking in clinical decision-making, and adopt a systematic and empowered approach to practising nursing.

The module comprises of the following 6 sessions.

1.  Introduction to Ethics & Ethical Theories
2. Applying Ethical Theories to Nursing Practice
3. Autonomy and Informed Consent
4. Confidentiality and Privacy
5. Justice and Resource Allocation
6.  Ethical Decision-Making Framework & Conclusion

Hours of Total Learning for this module:

• Contact Hours: 27
• Self-Study Hours: 84
• Assessment Hours: 14
• Total Learning Hours: 125

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

1. The ability to demonstrate an understanding of professional accountability and codes of conduct
2. To critically review how the law affects decision-making and the practice of healthcare and determines the boundaries of professional practice from a legal perspective
3. The potential to utilise appropriate theory to debate ethical issues and dilemmas arising from practice
4. Achieve the capacity to analyse the implications and impact of law and ethics upon healthcare provision from an individual and collective perspective.
5. To critically analyse the legal perspective on duty of care and its application in practice
6. Critically reflect on using problem-solving strategies in clinical judgement and decision-making in practice.

Each module will be assessed based on the following components:

1. Quality of Contributions in Forums: 20%
   • Evaluation of participation and the quality of insights shared in online discussion forums.
2. Quality of Contributions in Tutorials: 20%
   • Assessment of engagement and contributions during tutorial sessions.
3. Assignment/Case Study: 60%
   • Completion and quality of assignments that demonstrate understanding and application of the course material.

Passing Criteria:

• Students must achieve an aggregate of 50% or higher across the three components to pass each module.

Scholarship Schemes for Maltese residents:

• MySkills Scheme: Malta residents are eligible for up to 80% reimbursement, capped at €5,000, subject to eligibility criteria. International students would be able to apply for the MySkills Scheme once they obtain their Student Temporary Residence Card (TRC). (For individual modules only)
• Get Qualified Scheme ( Scheme available for Maltese residents ) – 70% refund of course fee as a tax rebate