Everything has to be securely kept somewhere safe (with relevant password protection etc.). 8. Cannot be transferred to another country without good enough protection in its natural
Assignment 307 Understand how to handle information in social care settings Task A Short answer questions Ai Identify four key pieces of Legislation and Codes of Practice relating to handling information in social care settings. • Data Protection Act 1998 • Health and Social Care Act 2000 • Employees Policies and Procedures • Freedom of Information Act 2000 Aii Explain how legal requirements and codes of practice affect the day to day work of a social care worker in relation to handling information. Confidentiality, by not passing on information to anyone who isn’t involved in the individuals care, you must make sure you have the individuals consent. Protecting personal daily records, making sure that you keep them in a secure place as required by law. Aiii Explain two ways of helping other practitioners to understand the importance of handling information securely.
Biii: Describe how to ensure security when reading or making entries into records. To maintain confidentiality you should read or write reports/files in a private area where you can’t be overlooked and let others know not to disturb you (unless emergency, then remember to lock away). Biv: Describe any special feature of different storage systems that help to ensure security. If your files are stored on computer or other electronic device you should ensure it is password protected and that any removable devices are locked away securely. Usernames and antivirus programs also you better protection.
The reports should be only about the person concerned and should be signed and dated. Every care should be made to ensure that client records are stored securely and remain confidential. The Data Protection Act of 1998 has set a code of practice that all Social Care establishments must comply with. Within a client’s home environment records should ideally be kept in a secure, locked cupboard, out of sight from casual visitors. Establishments that have a number of clients should ensure that records are up-to-date and are kept in a locked filing cabinet, preferably in a secure office.
1.1 Identify the legislation that relates to the recording,storage & sharing of information in health & social care The Data Protection Act 1998 This outlines the law of how to record, store & share information on individuals that we care for. Anyone holding personal data is legally obliged to comply with this act. 1.2 Explain why it is important to have secure systems for recording & storing information in a health & social care setting It is important to have secure systems for recording & storing information on individuals because it will hold confidential information, e.g. individuals name, address,date of birth, medical condition. etc.
To ensure the necessary safeguards and appropriate uses of personal information are in place. For example, any issues relating to human rights, the duty of confidentiality as part of duty of care, accuracy. The information is permanent once it has been written down. The information is very personal for example, bank details, medical history and family background. This needs to be kept as confidential as possible.
The information is very personal for example:- bank details, medical history and family background. This needs to be kept as confidential as possible. To ensure information is not accessable to unauthriosed people. To protect indiviual person from breech of information Outcome 2 Know how to access support for handling information in social care settings. 2.1 Describe how to access guidance, information and advice about handling information.
1. Identify legislation and codes of practice that relate to handling information in health and social care Legislation: • Data Protection Act 1988 • Freedom of Information Act 2000 • Health and Social Care Act 2008 - Essential Standards Codes of Practice • Health and Care Professional Council • Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) • Local or internal codes of practice (your employers policies and procedures) 2. Summarise the main points of legal requirements and codes of practice for handling information in health and social care The purpose of the Data Protection Act 1988 is to protect the rights and privacy of individuals and to ensure that data about them is not shared without their knowledge or consent. This Act controls how personal information is used by organisations, business’ or Government. Those who have access to this data must follow strict rules called “data protection principles” and must make sure information is:- • Used fairly and lawfully • Used for limited, specifically stated purpose • Used in a way that is adequate, relevant and not excessive • Accurate • Kept for no longer than absolutely necessary • Handled accordingly to people’s data protection rights.
To ensure the necessary safeguards and appropriate uses of personal information are in place. For example, any issues relating to human rights, the duty of confidentiality as part of duty of care, accuracy. The information is permanent once it has been written down. The information is very personal for example, bank details, medical history and family background. This needs to be kept as confidential as possible.
If patient’s records, information about patient’s or accident forms are located on computers then staff must maintain the security of this information by making sure computers are logged off properly and locked when not in use and change their individual passwords regularly. If patient’s information needs to be stored on a USB stick or hard drive then they must be encrypted to ensure security and safety. When staff are making entries in patient’s records or reading information about patient’s they must make sure this remains confidential. When writing information in records staff need to be aware of who is around them and who can see the information that is being written. Make sure patient’s information is written in the staff office so that people not involved in their care can not see what is being written.