Managing Information

SECTION: Managing Information

  • Important to understand the Data Protection Act 2018. It makes sure that personal information is handled correctly -collected, stored, used and disposed off properly.

  • Confidentiality is pivotal. Health and social care professionals must respect the privacy of individuals and only share personal information with those who need to know.

  • Be aware of protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Information should never be used to discriminate against individuals based on these traits.

  • Record keeping is vital. Accurate, timely and complete records aid in appropriate care provision and essential in case of any legal disputes.

  • Consent for information sharing is necessary. Sharing information without consent can lead to serious professional consequences unless it is required by law or the person is in immediate danger.

  • Implement secure methods of storing information. This could be password protected electronic systems or locked files for paper-based records.

  • Frequent audits can ensure that information management practices are up to standard. This helps identify areas of improvement for adherence to data protection regulations.

  • Understand when to share information. If someone’s health, wellbeing or safety is at risk, sharing information might be necessary even without consent.

  • Think about ethical considerations related to managing information, such as maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding conflicts of interest.

  • Understand different communication methods and choose the most appropriate one as per individual requirements. E.g., visually impaired people may require information in Braille or audio form.

  • Importance of constant and consistent training for all professionals to understand new protocols and legal updates regarding managing information.

  • Know about the repercussions of breaching confidentiality, like damaging the professional-client relationship, potential lawsuits, and serious damage to the professional’s career.

  • Lastly, adhere to the professional standards set by regulatory bodies in health and social care, such as NHS Digital’s Data Security Standards and the General Medical Council’s Confidentiality Guidelines.