BLOCK 5 UNIT 18 : CONCEPTS

BLOCK 5 UNIT 18 : CONCEPTS

1. RECORD KEEPING

   • Why do we need records?
     • Service users' histories not forgotten
     • Users can check what is happening to them
     • Care workers can remember what they have done / agreed
       • Signed records
     • Care can be provided in teams
       • Different agencies
     • = Make care safer

2. PERSONAL RECORDS

   • Have a right to access own records
     • Understand care better
       • Easier to spot mistakes
     • Improve communication with CW or GP
     • Formal application / pay a fee
   • Data Protection Act 1998 / Freedom of Information Act 2000

3. ELECTRONIC RECORDS

   • Advantages
     • Better access = internet access and PC / more accessible for visually impaired
     • Legibility = typed
     • Better outcomes = better communication with GP / improve accuracy / immediate access to test results
     • More information that paper records
   • Disadvantages
     • Internet & computer access
       • Not everybody has a PC or internet
       • Can't use a computer
     • Technical language
       • Records kept in note format / abbreviation = don't make sense to service user
     • Costs
       • Costs to NHS
         • Hardware / software / maintenance / staff-training
           • Reliability
     • Security & confidentiatlity
       • computer hackers
       • less secure

4. SHARING INFORMATION

   • Department for children, schools and families
     • Important for early intervention - children get services / help they need
     • Protect young people from abuse / harm / neglect

5. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

   • Not publicly known
   • Person sharing info understood it wouldn't be shared with others
   • SENSITIVE INFORMATION
     • Race / ethnicity / political opinions / religion + beliefs / trade union / physical + mental conditions / sexual life / offences + crimes
   • Consent to share
     • Explicit
       • Person gives consent / understand what they are agreeing to / understands implications
     • Implied
       • Have not consented but behaviour suggests they are happy for info be passed on
       • People understand info is shared to provide health care
   • Courts of law can demand information = cannot be kept confidential