Anyone processing personal data must comply with the either enforceable principles of good practice laid down in the Data Protection Act 1998. These say that data must be: * Fairly and lawfully processed. * Processed for limited purposes * Adequate, relevant and not excessive * Not kept for longer than necessary * Processed in accordance with the data subject’s rights * Kept secure * Not transferred to countries without adequate protection. 1.2 What is the importance of having secure systems for recording and storing information in a health and social care settings. Once something is written down or entered into a computer, it becomes a permanent record.
By explaining the importance of keeping information confidential such as daily activities, medications in a secure place and not to disclose any information to anyone outside of the individuals care or other than their direct team. When recording information electronically ensure that you are only accessing that individual’s particular records and password protect the information with an active password that is only known by the professionals concerned. On completion of checking or amending
2.1 Describe the features of manual and electronic information storage systems that help ensure security. Ensure sensitive and private information is kept in secure/locked drawers or cabinets when not in use. Electronic databases should be protected by adequate spy and virus software. Electronic files should be password protected. Information pertaining to individuals should only be shared on a ‘need to know’ basis.
Implementing Duty of Care 1. Explain what it means to have duty of care in your job role. Duty of care as a care assistant refers to your role and responsibilities in care such as health and safety of individuals and yourself, protection from harm and abuse or unnecessary risks. This includes responsibilities to act in the best interest of individuals and to do everything possible to keep them safe from harm, may it be physical or emotional. Your duty of care is also that you act within your own competence and do not do anything which you cannot do safely.
Bv By signing my contract I agree to follow the policies and procedures and codes of practice correctly in the following areas; Data protection, Grievance, Conflict management, anti-discriminatory practice, health and safety, confidentiality, and whistleblowing. And my manager must make sure all the policies and procedures are kept up to date and made available at all times. Bvi My role contributes to the overall delivery of service by working in a
Records should be kept secure and not accessible by anyone other than authorised persons. As well as the Data Protection act there are professional codes of practice which are inspected and regulated by the General Social Care Council and the Quality Care Commission. 2.1 Locked drawers or cupboards. Password protected computers / files . Access given to people who really do need to know.
The legal requirements and codes of practice also ensure care workers protect daily recordings by keeping them in a secure place where they can only be accessed by those necessary. For example GP’s, district nurses and social workers. 3. Explain two ways of helping other practitioners to understand the importance of handling information securely. Explain the correct procedures for handling information and the potential consequences if this is done incorrectly.
Understand how to handle information in social care settings Task B Prepare a set of guidelines to remind social care workers of best practice in handling information. Bi – Explain how to maintain records so that they are up to date, complete, accurate and legible. All records should be written in clear hand writing and in a language that the service user can understand. Do not abbreviate and only document facts that include the date it occurred and the date you documented it with your name signed with it, fiction and judgement are opinions and aren’t acceptable. Only record what is relevant and evidence based and to make sure everything is written up as soon as possible after the care has taken place.
They must always be stored somewhere locked and safe, they must never be removed from outside your work place. Records kept on computers must also be kept safe and protected. The workplace will have polices relating to records on computers which will include access being restricted by a password, and the computer system being protected by a firewall against the possibility of people hacking into it. The information that will be handles about the people we support will be very personal, it may contain details of medical history, details of family background and financial information. People need to feel confident that if they give these personal details they will not be shared with everyone.
We are legally governed by the Human Rights Act to respect and protect an individual's rights first and foremost in everything that we do. It is a legal requirement of all health and social care staff to attend training enabling them to appropriately meet the needs of every individual in our care. Individuals have the right to receive the relevant support and treatment required for them to lead a comfortable life. A predominant focus of the training is the safety of the individual and how to maintain a safe, comfortable environment. Our policies and procedures within the work place protect the rights of individuals by making sure that we follow a person-centred approach and treat each case individually, but most importantly equally to any other case.