See how else we might be able to support you with our Safeguarding Adults course library. There are many legislative requirements surrounding confidentiality in health and social care. Confidentiality is important for encouraging people to come forward with issues and concerns. However, there are certain offences and provisions where the duty of confidentiality is overridden. For example, if a girl has been a victim to Female Genital Mutilation FGM , then this is a criminal offence and the appropriate authorities need to know.

Additionally, if there is a serious safeguarding concern and somebody is at risk, then you have a duty to share this information to keep people safe. The Human Rights Act gives every individual the right to respect for their private and family life. This includes having any personal information held in confidence. This right, however, is not absolute and can be overridden if necessary, such as for a safeguarding concern.

This Act encourages caregivers to take a person-centred approach when safeguarding vulnerable adults. It also sets out a new way of thinking in relation to adult social care by explaining the importance of sharing information at early stages so that people stay safe.

This Act sets out a number of provisions relating to the health and social care services in England. It covers the integration of information relating to users of health and social services. It also explains the sharing of information for individuals who use health and social care services.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Confidentiality in health and social care: how is it ensured?

Oct 23, What is confidentiality? Confidentiality legislation in health and social care Health and social care providers are given extensive training regarding what is appropriate in regards to confidentiality, but to outsiders, it can be difficult to know what legislation is in place and how it is implemented. There are five rules of confidentiality in health and social care: All confidential information about a client should be treated respectfully and their rights to confidentiality should be respected at all times Confidential information about a client should be shared by a care team only when it is necessary for the safety and wellbeing of the client Any confidential information shared for the benefit of a community should remain anonymous An individual has the right to object to their confidential information being shared.

How is confidentiality maintained in health and social care Confidentiality in health and social care is essential because it helps patients and clients have confidence that they can share information, and this can be extremely important in ensuring they get the care they need.

Day to day maintaining of confidentiality means: Ensuring that sensitive conversations are only held in private spaces Recording and accessing only necessary and relevant information Changing log-ins and passwords necessary and keeping security measures and programs up to date for IT systems Reporting any possible data breaches immediately Always alerting patients or clients when their information needs to be shared, and obtain consent where necessary When can you break confidentiality in health and social care?

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There are rules to say when healthcare professionals can give you information about the person you care for. This section explains what these rules are. You could be their carer, friend or relative. Professional : a professional is someone who works in health and social care services. This can include a:. They can normally only share this information if your relative has said that they can. This is called giving consent. It means their information is kept confidential.

Professionals can share information with other NHS services and professionals that support your relative. They should only share information that they need to, and your relative must be made aware of this. Professionals should get consent from your relative before they share confidential information with other types of services. Your relative may find it difficult to give consent for their information to be shared. This may be due to their disability or mental illness.

Professionals must take care to talk to your relative in a way that is suitable for their needs. A professional can sometimes share personal information without consent. A professional should tell your relative if they need to breach confidentiality through a court order. But a professional may not tell your relative if it would put them or other people in danger. It is unlawful if a professional breaches confidentiality without good reason. You relative could take legal action against them.

But professionals should make sure that your relative understands the benefits of sharing information with family and carers. Your relative might think sharing information with you could help with their care. You can also talk to your relative about these benefits. Through the laws of the government Through contracts and professional policy of an organisation.

Through the professional code of conduct and acceptable practices. Learn without limits. Get Access to All Courses. Globally Recognised. Why is confidentiality important in health and social care? It is easy to understand and doctors, nurses or nursing assistants, surgeons or Healthcare workers can take advantage of this course to do better in their profession.

What private document of them is kept. Who will have the authority to access the information and who will it be provided to. The reason for which it is needed Present an objection to sharing private information.

The Common Law of Confidentiality. Used legally, honestly and transparently Obtained for stated and valid reasons Information should be collected only to the point where it is necessary, relevant, adequate and limited. Information should be authentic. The information should be obtained in a protected manner, and also proper measure should be taken against accidental loss.

When Confidential Information must be disclosed? It can be overridden on a situation like: Confidential information must be disclosed if it is to safeguard a client. If the information shows a witness that the client is at risk, the information must be disclosed.

On the other hand, if the client is trying to impose any harm on others or the caregiver, the confidential information should be disclosed. Dos Seek permission for information sharing. Think of safeguarding when transferring information.

Know the details correctly, even if it is private. Whenever you share sensitive information, keep notes. Be up to date on confidentiality laws and regulations. Do not keep data which is not necessary. Do not give information without consent. Do not share information unless there is an apparent reason to do so. Do not hide private data if you have them. Communication Skills in Health and Social Care.

In this course, you'll learn communication skills in health and social care. It covers the professional responsibilities of the care team in health and social consciousness. Enrol Now. Further resource. What is dignity in care: Everything you need to know. Recent posts How to Become a Florist?