Legislation
There are a number of legislative and organisational requirements that must be met when planning and conducting healthcare simulation events. The context and the environment in which the participants operate is an important component of a simulation event.
You can access electronic copies of the legislation mentioned in this module by visiting the Queensland Government Legislation website.
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Health
Privacy
Anti-discrimination
Ethical and Professional Conduct
Workplace Health and Safety
The following legislation has relevant over-arching considerations when planning, designing, delivering and evaluating simulation events:
- Public Health Act 2005 and Regulation 2005
- Health Practitioners (Professional Standards) Act 1999 and Regulation 2000
- Nursing Act 1992 and Regulation 2005
The Privacy Act 1988 sets out specific requirements for ensuring the privacy of individual information including the storage, use, disclosure and retention of information.
Privacy, confidentiality and security issues must be considered within the provision of simulation events to protect the privacy of participants. Personal details, recordings and photographs are to be collected and stored securely and participants should be made aware of the intended use of any information collected. Confidentiality forms or agreements should be made with participants to ensure what happens in the simulation is not discussed when they leave the event.
Any real life examples that are incorporated into scenarios should have all information relating to real patients de-identified including names and patient notes.
Anti-discrimination legislation may be considered within the context and content of simulation programs to ensure that simulation participants do not practice discriminatory behaviours or actions, and to ensure that facilitators do not discriminate against the participants of simulation programs.
When writing scenarios and delivering simulation events;
- Do not discriminate against professions, individuals, religion, race or experience levels.
- If the event involves interdisciplinary teams or different levels, ensure all have equal learning opportunities and are involved in the debrief.
- Do not target particular participants during events.
- Do not set up participants to fail.
The importance of ethics and professionalism apply to simulation events and the organisational Code of Conduct should be adhered to. Simulation participants expect to be treated with respect, integrity and valued. The success of the program may be adversely affected if an ethical and professional approach is not taken which could affect the reputation and standing of the organisation.
Workplace Health and Safety
The Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 provides a framework for the safe delivery of simulation education events.
When conducting simulation events ensure that:
- workplace health and safety requirements are adhered to
- a hazard identification process is carried out prior to all events and control measures are implemented where required
- simulated and expired medications are labelled ‘Not for Clinical Use’, and procedures are in place to ensure medications are stored correctly and are not mixed up with real medications
- safe manual handling practices are in place
- personal protective equipment is provided for participants
- safe use of all equipment is monitored, for example disposing of sharps, safe use of a defibrillator.
