1. DEBRIDEMENT – Legal & Ethical Implications*
07/16/96
DEBRIDEMENT – Legal & Ethical Implications
Professor Donald G. MacLellan
Executive Director
Health Education & Management Innovations *

2. COMPETENCY
All clinicians are accountable for ensuring they have adequate knowledge and skills to perform the procedure competently
Clinicians should be familiar with any restrictions to practice which may affect their ability to perform CSWD
- Legislation
- Professional standards and conduct codes
- Organisational policies and guidelines

3. Legislation may vary from State to State and Country to Country!

4. Employer Policy and Procedures
Should Specify:
How the procedure is done and when the clinician can perform it
Educational preparation, competency validation and frequency of validation
Scope of supervision required
When physician should be notified
Patient record keeping requirements

5. Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia
Identifies the fundamental moral commitments of the profession
Provides nurses with a basis for professional and self reflection on ethical conduct
Acts as a guide to ethical practice
Indicates to the community the moral values that nurses can be expected to hold.

6. Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses in Australia
Set of expected national standards of conduct for the nursing profession
Identifies the minimum requirements for conduct in the profession
Informs the community of the standards for professional conduct of nurses in Australia
Provides consumer, regulatory, employing and professional bodies with a basis for decisions regarding standards of professional conduct.

8. Code of Conduct

11. Continuing Licensure Requirements
Practice within your scope
Practice competently
Practice in accordance with your code of ethics
Practice in accordance with your code of professional conduct
Practice within a legislative framework.

12. Avoid Complaints or Litigation
Is the documentation adequate?
Does the clinician have the training and experience needed to treat wounds?
Did the patient understand and consent?
Can the clinician justify their treatment?
Were the needed/appropriate consultations undertaken?
Was the infrastructure in place?

13. Avoid Complaints or Litigation
Is the documentation adequate?
Does the clinician have the training and experience needed to treat wounds?
Did the patient understand and consent?
Can the clinician justify their treatment?
Were the needed/appropriate consultations undertaken?
Was the infrastructure in place?

14. Summary Know history of your patient prior to debridement
Document all factors that may contribute to complications
Educate patient & family/carers
Obtain consent
Administer most appropriate care
Be realistic about outcomes