Public Health Principles and Medical Ethics

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the overall focus of public health?

  • Protecting and improving community health through preventative measures. (correct)
  • Treating individual patients with acute illnesses.
  • Conducting research on the genetic causes of disease.
  • Providing direct medical care to the injured.

In the context of epidemiology, what does 'virulence' refer to?

  • The method a disease uses to transfer from a host to a vector.
  • The number of people who currently have the disease in a location.
  • The rate at which a disease spreads through a population.
  • The degree of pathogenicity or harmfulness of a disease causing agent. (correct)

An EMS provider teaching a class on car seat safety is engaging in what type of activity?

  • Biohazard risk assessment.
  • Tertiary care intervention.
  • Community prevention program. (correct)
  • Clinical trial research.

Which type of law is derived from court decisions and interpretations?

<p>Common law (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a necessary component to demonstrate negligence in a court of law?

<p>Intentional harm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of consent is given when a patient verbally agrees to treatment?

<p>Expressed consent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A provider terminates care without ensuring a transfer of care to another qualified authority or provider, this is known as:

<p>Abandonment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Ryan White Act?

<p>To protect EMS providers exposed to infectious diseases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Epidemiology

The study of disease patterns in populations, including incidence and prevalence.

Universal Precautions

A standard set of practices used in healthcare to prevent the spread of infections.

Tort Law

A type of law that governs civil wrongs, such as negligence, where one party's actions cause harm to another.

Governmental Immunity

A legal concept where a person or organization is protected from liability for harm caused by their actions while performing official duties.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Documentation

A legal document that records patient care, treatments, and assessments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Assault and Battery

The act of providing care to a patient without their consent, which can lead to legal charges.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Breach of Duty

A key component of negligence that involves a healthcare provider failing to meet the expected standard of care.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Abandonment

A situation where a healthcare professional terminates care for a patient without ensuring the patient's ongoing care is taken care of.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Public Health Principles

  • Public health is the science and practice of protecting and improving community health through preventive medicine, education, and environmental safety.
  • Public health has achieved advancements in vaccinations, motor vehicle and workplace safety, infectious disease control, and tobacco use reduction.
  • Epidemiology studies disease incidence and prevalence in populations. Key terms include epidemic, pandemic, carrier, host, vector, and virulence.
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers are injury prevention advocates, collaborating with public health to create disaster plans, educate communities, and secure funding.
  • Community prevention programs address infant/child safety, elder falls, work injuries, and medication misuse through education, driving training, and elder care clinics.
  • Legal foundations include constitutional, common, statutory, and regulatory laws, with tort law addressing civil wrongs like negligence.
  • Negligence includes a duty to act, breach of that duty, demonstrable harm, and proximate cause.
  • Defenses against negligence include Good Samaritan laws, governmental immunity, and proper documentation.
  • Consent for EMS care includes informed, expressed, and implied consent, emphasizing full patient disclosure and the right to refuse care.
  • Confidentiality is governed by HIPAA and breaches can lead to legal issues.
  • Abandonment and assault/battery involve terminating care without ensuring continuity and providing treatment without consent.

Focus Areas for Prevention and EMS Practice

  • Communicable diseases are addressed through universal precautions, and the Ryan White Act safeguards EMS providers exposed to infectious agents.
  • Patient safety and autonomy prioritize "do no harm" and respect patient refusal of care.
  • Community education programs reduce morbidity and mortality through initiatives like car seat safety and defensive driving.
  • Accurate and complete documentation protects EMS providers and enhances patient care.

Important Laws and Regulations

  • HIPAA ensures patient confidentiality and data security.
  • The Ryan White Care Act permits testing for communicable diseases following exposure.
  • Disaster laws provide flexibility for government response in emergencies.
  • DNR orders must be valid, signed by the patient and physician to be followed.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser