2 – AC M2 Handling information in adult care

1.1 Summarise the main points of legal requirements, policies and codes of practice for handling information in care settings

Strict legal frameworks govern the handling of information to protect patient confidentiality and privacy. The Health and Social Care Act 2012 underscores the relevance of holding personal data securely (Legislation.gov.uk, 2012). Moreover, Care Quality Commission standards emphasize accuracy and accessibility for service users’ records.

Central to such protocols is adherence to the Data Protection Act 2018 which elucidates clear directives on lawful processing of personal data, alongside GDPR guidelines for data minimization and consent (ICO.org.uk, 2021). For practitioners in care settings, it’s mandatory to ensure that information-sharing complies with these statutes; this ranges from how details are recorded to their eventual archiving or disposal.

Coherent internal policies support these laws by outlining everyday practice steps. These could include staff training schemes on confidentiality basics or auditing systems ensuring compliance. Furthermore, professional codes of conduct like those from the Nursing and Midwifery Council provide explicit expectations for nurse’s behaviour concerning patient information (NMC.org.uk, 2018).

Every document, electronic record or conversation needs safeguarding with vigilance as breaches not just compromise patient trust but also entail severe legal repercussions. Thusly ensuring this sensitive realm maintains its sanctity lies not in a series of static orders; rather it is an active process demanding constant attention and responsiveness within the ever-shifting setting of health care provision.

Other answers in the full document:

• 1.2 Describe the main features of manual and electronic information storage systems that help ensure data and cyber security.
• 1.3 Explain how to support others to keep information secure
• 1.4 Explain what is meant by a ‘data breach’ in the handling of information
• 1.5 Describe the actions to be taken in the event of a data breach.
• 2.1 Demonstrate practices that ensure data security when storing, accessing, and sharing information.
  • Question 1: How do you ensure that patient records are securely stored?
  • Question 2: How do you ensure that patient information is securely shared?
• 2.2 Demonstrate ways to maintain and promote confidentiality in day-to-day communication.
  • Question 3: How do you ensure that patient information is kept confidential during phone conversations?
  • Question 4: How do you ensure that patient information is kept confidential during face-to-face interactions?
• 2.3 Maintain records that are up to date, complete, accurate and legible.
  • Question 5: How do you ensure that patient records are up to date?.
  • Question 6: How do you ensure that patient records are legible?
• 2.4 Support audit processes in line with own role and responsibilities
  • Question 7: How do you support audit processes related to patient records?
  • Question 8: How do you ensure that you are complying with relevant laws and regulations related to patient records?