UNIT 16 UNDERSTANDING HOW TO HANDLE INFORMATION IN SOCIAL CARE SETTINGS. Understand requirements for handling information in social care settings. Identify legislation and codes of practice that relate to handling information in social care settings. The Data Protection Act 1998 is a piece of legislation which defines the law on processing dadt of people living in the UK. The data is set out in 8 principles Personal Data must protect fairly and lawfully, obtained for specific purpose and purpose given, all personal data must have accurate and kept up to date, must not be kept longer then it should, should be kept secure at all times all data must not be transferred to any other country outside the European Economic Area without adequate protection.
Unit 209 Understand how to handle information in social care settings. Outcome 1 Understand the need for secure handling of information in social care settings. 1.1 Identify the legislation that relates to the recording, storage and sharing of information in social care. The Data Protection Act 1998 controls how your personal information is used by organisations, businesses and the government. Everyone responsible for using data or storing data has to follow strict rules called 'Data protection principles' these are as follows: Used fairly and lawfully used for specifically stated purposes kept for no longer than is absolutely necessary kept safe and secure Not transferred outside the UK without adequate protection For more sensitive information such as ethnic background, political opinions, religious beliefs, health, sexual health and criminal records there is stronger legal protection.
2. Ensure one cannot be overheard when discussing information, Locking cabinets and drawers with keys if need be, keeping personal information secure and in a
Be relevant. Date and sign all records. Print your name. How to ensure records are stored securely Use locked filing cabinets with limited access to keys. Keep records in a secure room.
It is important that I have a secure system for recording and storing of information in a health and social care setting, as I am providing a duty of care to my clients. I must make sure that no one can access others information and records apart from persons who have the authorisation to do so, otherwise it may fall into the wrong hands and be used against them by carrying out fraudulent activity. It is imperative for the care worker to abide by the policies of confidentiality and follow the legislation of the Data Protection Act 1998. 2.1 Describe features of manual and electronic information storage systems that help ensure security? I could use a manual security storage system which could be files, records paperwork
Ensuring all care plans and files are kept in a locked filing cabinet. Not allowing anyone to access such files unless an authorised person, resident or relative of the resident. The General Social Care Council GSCC: This is a list of statements for care workers that describe the standards of professional conduct practice required for care workers as they go about their daily work. The 8 Principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 states the personal data must be: Processed fairly and lawfully, Processed only for one or more specified and lawful purpose, Adequate, relevant and not excessive for the purpose, Accurate and kept up to date, Kept for no longer than is necessary, Processed in line with the rights of the individual, Secure against accidental loss, destruction or damage and against unauthorised / unlawful processing, Not transferred to countries outside the European economic area. OUTCOME 2 Manual information should be stored in a locked filing cabinet in a secure office, if nobody is in the office the door should be locked, never leave any care plans, private files, phone numbers etc.
What does the organisation do to ensure that their information is secure? All computers can’t be accessed without a password and other information is kept in a locked safe. What does the organisation do to ensure that sensitive/personal information remains confidential? All staff members sign a confidentiality agreement form to insure personal information is kept safe. How does the organisation collect and dispatch information?
If you ask for information about yourself, then your request will be handled under the Data Protection Act. Employees Policies & Procedures - To make sure that all records that are kept in the office are put away in a locked secure cabinet. And when you write out the daily report sheet in the Care Plan Book, make sure that the Care Plan Book is closed and not left open. Health and Social Care Act 2008 - requires us to publish a code that sets out the practice we will follow in obtaining, handling, using and disclosing confidential personal information. The 8 Principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 states the personal data must be : Processed fairly and lawfully Processed only for one or more specified and lawful purpose Adequate, relevant and not excessive for the purpose Accurate and kept up to date Kept for no longer than is necessary Processed in line with the rights of the individual Secure against accidental loss, destruction or damage and against unauthorized / unlawful processing Not transferred to countries outside the European economic area Outcome 2 Manual security storage systems are locked away - usually via lock and key in places such as locked cabinets,
the importance of having secure information systems, ensuring appropriate uses of personal information and necessary safeguards; the accuracy , retention, availability and disposal of information. 1.2 Explain how legal requirements and codes of practice inform practice in handling information. • Accuracy of information • Damage/corruption of data • Written/electronic information • Security • Accessibility • How long information is held • Purpose for holding/collecting personal information • Also those listed in 1.1 2.1 Explain how to maintain records that are up to date, complete, accurate and legible include: • Updating information promptly • Include the date, time, signature and printed name • Using a black pen • Putting a line through any errors and initialling • Clear and accurate writing • Ensuring all relevant boxes are completed • 2.2 Describe practices that ensure security when storing and accessing information. Practices that ensure security when storing and accessing information are observing the organisations policies and procedures, maintaining confidentiality, ensuring no one can hear confidential information i.e. when doing a handover or phone calls.
1.1 – Identify legislation and codes of practice that relate to handling information in social care settings The following are current legislation and codes of practice that relate to handling information in health and social care. They also summarise the main points of legal requirements for handling information. •THE DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998 – The Data Protection Act 1998 is a piece of legislation which defines the law on processing data of people living within the United Kingdom. •THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 – The Freedom of Information act 2000 creates the right of access to the public of general information help by public authorities, local authorities and the National Health Service. Personal data cannot be accessed as this is protected by the Data Protection Act 1998.