EFFECTIVE HANDLING OF INFORMATION IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SETTINGS
Unit Reference Number |
L/618/5294 |
Unit Title |
Effective Handling of Information in Health and Social Care Settings |
Unit Level |
3 |
Number of Credits |
10 |
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) |
20 |
Total Qualification Time |
100 |
Mandatory / Optional |
Mandatory |
Unit Grading Structure |
Pass / Fail |
Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to consider issues of confidentiality and ethical practice relating to the completion, storage and use of information. The unit also covers the knowledge and skills needed to implement and promote good practice in recording, sharing, storing and accessing information.
Learning Outcomes – the learner will: |
Assessment Criteria – the learner can: |
1. Understand handling of information practice requirements in health and social care settings |
1.1 Identify legislation and codes of practice that relate to handling of information in health and social care. 1.2 Explain the legal requirements and codes of practice for handling of information in health and social care. |
2. Understand good practice in handling of information. |
2.1 Describe how manual and electronic information storage systems are securely maintained. 2.2 Describe practices that ensure security when storing and accessing information. 2.3 Explain the importance of maintaining records that are up to date, complete, accurate and legible. |
3. Understand practices relating to confidentiality. |
3.1 Explain the meaning of the term confidentiality. 3.2 Discuss how to maintain and promote confidentiality in day-to-day communication. 3.3 Describe the potential tension between maintaining an individual’s confidentiality and disclosing information. |
Guidance:
You will summarise your findings in a portfolio of evidence to include a guidance document and a briefing report.
The portfolio of evidence you produce should contain the proof that you have attained, and can apply, the knowledge, skills and behaviours defined in the required standard.
Scenario:
Following a very lengthy and detailed inspection, the health and social care setting you work at has been asked to review their approaches to the handling and storage of information, with a specific focus on personal and confidential information.
Task 1 of 1 – Presentation and Report (ACs 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)
Instructions:
You are required to develop a presentation and supporting report to be used for staff training.
Your presentation and notes should:
- Identify legislation and codes of practice that relate to handling of information in health and social care.
- Explain the legal requirements and codes of practice for handling of information in health and social care.
- Describe how manual and electronic information storage systems are securely maintained.
- Describe practices that ensure security when storing and accessing information.
- Explain the importance of maintaining records that are up to date, complete, accurate and legible.
- Explain the meaning of the term confidentiality.
- Discuss how to maintain and promote confidentiality in day-to-day communication.
- Describe the potential tension between maintaining an individual’s confidentiality and disclosing information.
Delivery and Submission:
1x Presentation file and speaker notes (500 words) and accompanying report – (1500 words) excluding diagrams, references, and appendices.
Evidence to be submitted:
- Presentation file and speaker notes – 500 words
- Accompanying Report – 1500 words
Expert`s Answer For
1.1 Identify legislation and codes of practice that relate to handling of information in health and social care.
Legislation and codes of practice related to handling information in health and social care include:
- Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) – This Act governs the processing of personal data in the UK. It encompasses provisions for the fair and lawful processing of data, data security, and individuals` rights regarding their data.
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – Although GDPR is an EU regulation, it has been incorporated into UK law through the DPA 2018. It sets out rules for the processing of personal data and enhances individuals` rights regarding their personal information.
- Health and Social Care Act 2012 – This legislation outlines the framework for the provision of health and social care services in England. It includes provisions for the confidentiality and protection of patient information.
- Caldicott Principles – Named after Dame Fiona Caldicott, these principles provide guidance on the handling of patient information in the health and social care sector. They emphasize the importance of confidentiality and the need to balance the sharing of information with the requirement to protect individuals` privacy.
- The Care Act 2014 – This Act sets out the legal framework for the provision of social care in England. It includes provisions related to information sharing between health and social care professionals to ensure coordinated care delivery.
- Confidentiality: NHS Code of Practice – This code of practice outlines the NHS`s commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of patient information and provides guidance to healthcare professionals on handling sensitive data.
- Information Governance Framework – Developed by NHS Digital, this framework provides guidance and standards for the management of information within the NHS, including data protection, information security, and confidentiality.
These are some of the key legislation and codes of practice relevant to the handling of information in health and social care settings in the UK. It`s essential for professionals in these fields to adhere to these regulations to ensure the privacy and security of individuals` information.