w17 DoC Safeguarding vulnerable ppl Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is safeguarding in the context of healthcare?
Safeguarding means protecting people’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is a core professional duty for healthcare professionals, including optometrists.
What is the Care Act (2014), and how does it relate to safeguarding?
he Care Act (2014) defines adult safeguarding as protecting an adult’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. It emphasises a collaborative approach to preventing abuse and ensuring well-being.
at are the six safeguarding principles?
Empowerment: Encouraging informed decisions and consent.
Protection: Supporting those in greatest need.
Prevention: Preventing abuse before it occurs.
Proportionality: Responding appropriately to the risk.
Partnership: Working with communities and services.
Accountability: Ensuring transparency in safeguarding practice.
What is the role of Safeguarding Adults Boards (SAB)?
SABs cooperate with partners to protect adults at risk, facilitate information sharing, and ensure multi-agency cooperation in safeguarding practices.
What should optometrists do to support safeguarding practices in their practice?
Optometrists should:
Follow local safeguarding protocols.
Be aware of safeguarding team contacts and training opportunities.
Ensure all staff understand and adhere to safeguarding procedures.
What is the importance of mental capacity in safeguarding?
Individuals who lack mental capacity due to conditions affecting their mental or physical abilities are at higher risk of abuse. Optometrists must adhere to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its principles, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those who lack capacity.
What are the five principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005?
Assume capacity unless proven otherwise.
Help people make decisions where possible.
Do not treat a person as incapable solely due to an unwise decision.
Actions must be in the best interests of the person.
Minimise restrictions on the person’s rights and freedom.
How should you respond if someone discloses abuse to you?
Stay calm and take the information seriously.
Tell them it’s not their fault.
Obtain consent to share the information (if the person has the mental capacity to give consent).
Record the information and inform your practice manager or local safeguarding team.
What actions should be taken if abuse is suspected or observed?
Observe: Record signs of abuse without alarming the patient.
Discuss: Report concerns to a manager or safeguarding team.
Act: Inform the safeguarding team and provide documentation.
Confirm: Follow up on referrals to ensure action is taken.
Record: Keep accurate records of concerns and actions taken.
What is the definition of maltreatment and abuse in safeguarding?
Maltreatment and abuse involve physical, sexual, or psychological harm that impairs an individual’s health or well-being. Abuse may be a one-off or recurring event, affecting one or more individuals.
What are the common patterns of abuse?
Serial abusing: Perpetrator ‘grooms’ individuals.
Long-term abuse: Occurs in family relationships or domestic situations.
Opportunistic abuse: Theft or exploitation due to negligence.
Organisational abuse: Neglect due to poor care practices in institutions.
What is the responsibility of optometrists regarding safeguarding?
Optometrists must ensure that patients, especially those at risk, are protected from harm and neglect. They must follow safeguarding protocols, report concerns, and work with local safeguarding teams.
What should optometrists do if they suspect abuse caused by a colleague?
They should report their concerns according to safeguarding protocols, ensuring confidentiality and taking necessary actions to protect the vulnerable person.
What is the importance of multi-agency cooperation in safeguarding?
Multi-agency cooperation ensures that different services, such as healthcare, social care, and community organisations, work together to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse and neglect.
What are the key responsibilities of optometrists in safeguarding vulnerable adults and children?
Optometrists are responsible for identifying signs of abuse, following safeguarding procedures, reporting concerns, and working with safeguarding teams to protect patients at risk.
How does The Care Act (2014) statutory guidance define adult safeguarding? (5
marks)
Protecting the rights of adults from abuse, neglect, and harm
Collaboration between people and organisations to prevent and stop abuse
Safeguarding actions to protect adults at risk
A shared priority for health services and a key responsibility for local authorities
Adults may be at risk due to the actions or inactions of others
What are Adult Safeguarding Boards in England? (4 marks)
all local authorities have a Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB)
SAB works with partners to protect adults and children at risk of abuse or neglect
The SAB facilitates information sharing when there’s concern abt an individual at risk
