Understanding Protected Characteristics: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Question 1

Which scenario illustrates discrimination based on a protected characteristic in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

A nursing home requires patients to have a specific religious affiliation for admission.

Answer

A healthcare worker praises a colleague for treating all patients equally, regardless of their financial situation.

Answer

A hospital creates a designated waiting area for pregnant women during prenatal appointments.

Question 2

An individual who was dismissed from their role due to their age may have a claim for:

Accepted Answer

Direct discrimination

Answer

Indirect discrimination

Answer

Harassment

Answer

Victimisation

Question 3

Which of the following is considered an 'indirect' form of discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Applying a rule that disproportionately affects a particular group

Answer

Treating someone less favourably because of their protected characteristic

Answer

Harassing someone because of their protected characteristic

Answer

Victimising someone for complaining about discrimination

Question 4

Which statement best reflects the ethical duty of healthcare professionals regarding patients with protected characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Treat all patients fairly and equally, considering their individual needs.

Answer

Make assumptions about patient needs based on their protected characteristics.

Answer

Prioritize patients with protected characteristics over other patients.

Answer

Disregard patients' protected characteristics when providing care.

Question 5

Which option is NOT a protected characteristic under the UK Equality Act 2010?

Accepted Answer

Socioeconomic status

Answer

Race

Answer

Religion or belief

Answer

Gender reassignment

Question 6

Under the Equality Act 2010, when is it lawful to treat someone differently based on a protected characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Only when there's a valid reason and the actions taken are reasonable.

Answer

Never, as discrimination based on protected characteristics is always against the law.

Answer

When the person agrees to be treated differently.

Answer

When the employer needs someone with a specific protected characteristic for a particular job.

Question 7

Which of the following is **not** a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010?

Accepted Answer

Height

Answer

Age

Answer

Disability

Answer

Sexual orientation

Question 8

Which of the following is **not** a benefit of promoting equality and diversity in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Increased likelihood of legal disputes

Answer

Improved patient outcomes

Answer

Increased staff satisfaction

Answer

Enhanced reputation of healthcare organizations

Question 9

Which of the following is **not** a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010?

Accepted Answer

Height

Answer

Age

Answer

Disability

Answer

Race

Question 10

An individual who identifies as transgender is protected under which characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Gender reassignment

Answer

Sex

Answer

Sexual orientation

Answer

Religion or belief

Question 11

Which of the following is a key principle of intersectionality?

Accepted Answer

Individuals experience multiple forms of discrimination simultaneously

Answer

Discrimination is always based on a single characteristic

Answer

Protected characteristics are mutually exclusive

Answer

Intersectionality is not relevant to healthcare

Question 12

What is the overarching objective of promoting equality and diversity in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

To ensure equitable access to healthcare regardless of individual characteristics

Answer

To impose penalties on individuals who violate equality principles

Answer

To create a healthcare system devoid of bias

Answer

To eliminate all forms of discrimination in healthcare

Question 13

Under the Equality Act 2010, which of these is NOT a protected characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Political affiliation

Answer

Age

Answer

Disability

Answer

Race

Question 14

Which approach acknowledges and addresses the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals who have multiple protected characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality

Answer

Single-axis approach

Answer

Assimilation

Question 15

Which of the following is not recognized as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010?

Accepted Answer

Height

Answer

Sexual orientation

Answer

Disability

Answer

Religion or belief

Question 16

Which protected characteristic encompasses individuals with physical or mental impairments?

Accepted Answer

Disability

Answer

Gender reassignment

Answer

Age

Answer

Race

Question 17

Which protected characteristic covers individuals who have recently given birth?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy and maternity

Answer

Gender reassignment

Answer

Religion or belief

Question 18

What is the primary purpose of the Equality Act 2010?

Accepted Answer

To safeguard individuals against discrimination based on protected characteristics

Answer

To promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Answer

To guarantee equal opportunities for all citizens

Question 19

Distinguish between indirect and positive discrimination.

Accepted Answer

Indirect discrimination disproportionately affects certain groups, while positive discrimination grants preferential treatment based on specific characteristics.

Answer

Indirect discrimination is intentional, while positive discrimination is unintentional.

Question 20

Which of the following qualifies as a reasonable adjustment for an employee with a disability?

Accepted Answer

Providing a wheelchair ramp for an employee with mobility challenges

Answer

Demoting the employee to a lower-level position

Answer

Refusing to hire the employee due to their disability

Question 21

What does the protected characteristic of 'sexual orientation' encompass?

Accepted Answer

Heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and asexual orientations

Answer

Gender identity and expression

Answer

Political affiliation

Answer

Relationship status

Question 22

Which of the following is not considered a legal defense against a claim of discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Personal prejudice

Answer

Proportionality

Answer

Genuine occupational requirement

Answer

Necessity

Question 23

What are the potential consequences of discriminating against someone based on a protected characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Legal action, disciplinary proceedings, or loss of reputation

Answer

Financial reward

Answer

Promotion to a higher position