HSO4004 Principles of Care Assessment 1: Case Study and Assessment 2: Reflective Account Sem 1 September 2025-26

This Module Consists Of Two Assessments

Module Number: HSO4004

Module Name: Principles of Care

Year/Semester: September 2025-26 / Semester 1

HSO4004 Assessment 1: Essay

Please note that grades awarded, and summative feedback provided will be provisional until the Assessment Board has met and may therefore be subject to change.

Learning Outcomes Assessed In Assessment 1:

Assessment Instructions: Assessment 1 – Essay

Produce an essay of 2250 words which will explore the following:

Using the case study, write an essay that explores the theory and knowledge of principles of care:

• Describe and explain at least THREE of the principles of care and how they are implemented in health and social care practice (LO1).
• Give an overview of how the principles of care affect the rights of vulnerable people AND how the principles of care may affect professional practice (LO3).
• Discuss the impact on health and social care practice of (LO2):
  o Policy,
  o Legislation,
  o Regulation,
  o And codes of conduct.

In order to address the above, ensure that you make use of examples discussed in class or researched examples to substantiate and justify your answers.

HSO4004 Assessment 2: Reflective Account

Learning Outcomes Assessed In Assessment 2:

Assessment Instructions: Assessment 2 – Reflective Account

Produce a Reflective Account of 750 words using self-reflection which will:

Explore your understanding of boundaries in care relationships (examining the principles of good practice in carrying out care).

Considering Carl Rogers’ theory (Person-Centred Theory), describe and reflect on how you may provide professional care to the service users showing an appreciation of boundaries.

It is essential to use a reflective theory to structure your reflection. You need to select ONE of the following theories:

• Gibbs’ Reflective Theory, OR
• Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, OR
• Schon’s Reflective Practice, OR
• Rolfe et al.’s Reflective Model

In your reflection,

• Define and describe “boundaries” in care relationships.
• Define and describe “good practice” in carrying out care.
• How you currently or how you will (in the future) provide, a professional and good standard of care to the person receiving care.
  o Describe your role / future role.
  o Describe the service user (anonymised information).
  o Describe the boundary.
  o Describe the good practice.
  o How may you improve on this practice?

Using research, further explore why and how this “good practice” influences YOUR professional practice in health and social care sector in carrying out care.

Reflect if there is anything to improve on and how and why you intend to do so.

For the reflection:

Case study: Please note that you may use the case study from assessment 1 to reflect on.

Own experience: Alternatively, if you wish to use your personal experience from working in the health and social care sector, this is also suitable. In this case, please ensure that you anonymise any identifying information.

**REMEMBER, that if your reflection includes other people, to anonymise your work and use pseudonyms to protect your classmates, lecturers, service users etc…

Additional Assessment 2 Guidance – For Own Experience Reflection:

You may wish to explore boundary crossings and how you may provide excellent level of care through AVOIDING crossing a boundary.

You may use some of the examples listed below or you may wish to reflect on your own examples.

Some examples of this may include:

• Sharing too much personal information with the person receiving care.
• Accepting or giving expensive gifts that create a sense of obligation or favouritism.
• Engaging in social relationships (e.g., attending personal events) outside of the care context.
• Spending excessive personal time with the care recipient beyond what is professionally required.
• Engaging in physical touch that is not medically necessary or exceeds cultural/professional norms.
• Using pet names or overly familiar language (e.g., “sweetie,” “honey”) that reduces professional distance.
• Relying on the care recipient for emotional support or sharing your own struggles too deeply.
• Favouring one individual over others, such as spending more time with or giving special treatment to a particular patient or client.
• Communicating outside of appropriate channels, like texting, calling, or messaging on social media.
• Neglecting professional responsibilities due to emotional entanglement or favouritism.
• Visiting the care recipient’s home or inviting them to yours without necessity or supervision.
• Engaging in financial dealings, such as borrowing money or helping manage their finances.
• Forming romantic or sexual relationships with the person receiving care.
• Allowing personal biases or emotions to influence clinical judgment or caregiving.
• Involving the care recipient in personal decision-making, such as asking for advice or support unrelated to their care.

Use Of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Applications In This Assessment

Declaration: At the end of the assessment you should also include a declaration of any software tools including Generative AI (GAI) applications that you used in developing and completing the assessment.

Specific Assessment Criteria:

First Class (70% And Above):

This piece of work shows evidence of wider research with reference to several differing academic viewpoints. The essay has recognised relevantly and discussed in detail the importance of principles of care and impacts of legislation, policies and codes of practice on health and social care practice. The assessment has examined the issues of care and control and importance of legislation in the protection of vulnerable people in health and social care. Several reasoned and logical arguments have been developed well and supported by a wide range of appropriately researched literature. Presentation is of a high standard, and in the appropriate essay style.  The high number of appropriate sources has been referenced accurately and to a high standard. Academic writing style, English and referencing is excellent.

Upper Second Class 2(1) (60-69%):

This piece of work shows evidence of wider research with reference to several differing academic viewpoints. The assessment has recognised relevant principles of care, discussed in detail the importance of them. Further, it also shows engagement of legislation, policies and codes of practice on health and social care practice. The assessment has examined the issues of care and control as well as the importance of legislation in the protection of vulnerable people in health and social care. Several reasoned and logical arguments have been developed well and supported by a wide range of appropriately researched literature. Presentation is of a high standard, and in the appropriate essay style.  The high number of appropriate sources has been referenced accurately and to a high standard. Academic writing style, English and referencing is very good.

Lower Second Class 2(2) (50-59%):

A clear and informative piece of work with evidence of wider research and discussion. The essay has correctly recognised and discussed the importance of principles of care and impacts of legislation, policies and codes of practice on health and social care practice. The essay has examined some issues of care and control and importance of legislation in the protection of vulnerable people in health and social care. Some reasoned arguments have been developed and supported by a good number of sources.  Presentation is of a good standard, in the appropriate writing style and structure.  Academic writing style, English and referencing is good.

Third Class (40-49%):

A reasonable attempt has been made at researching the essay, but greater in-depth discussion and academic debate is required around the importance of principles of care and impacts of legislation, policies, and codes of practice on health and social care practice. There has been an attempt to address some issues of care and control and importance of legislation in the protection of vulnerable people in health and social care, however, mostly the discussion is superficial and lacking in any depth. Academic writing style, English and referencing will be generally competent.

Fail (39% And Below):

Students who do not meet the requirements of a third-class grade will not successfully complete the assessment activity.

Minimum Secondary Research Source Requirements:

Level HE4 – It is expected that the Reference List will contain between five and ten sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include one refereed academic journal and three academic books.

General Assessment Criteria For Written Assessments

GENERAL ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES – LEVEL HE4