This page is designed to answer the following questions:
- 2.7 Use ICT that supports information exchange within and across disciplines and organisations (Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care, Develop, Maintain and Use Records and Reports)
NOTE: This page has been quality assured for 2023 as per our Quality Assurance policy.
In the previous section, we explored how Information Communication Systems (ICT) may be used in the collection and storage of information. For this assessment criterion, you will be required to demonstrate that you are able to use ICT systems that support information exchange within and across disciplines and organisations.
Email is perhaps the most common method of exchanging information electronically. Staff members that use email should be sufficiently trained in its use and there should be policies and procedures relating to email use and the exchange of information to ensure that staff adhere to legislation and best practices. For example, staff should always ensure that they are sure that the recipient’s email is spelt correctly before sending an email to prevent information from being inadvertently shared with unauthorised individuals. Robust email systems will ensure all emails are encrypted (so that only the intended recipient can view them) and that a warning is displayed before an email is sent to someone that isn’t within the organisation or the sender’s address book.
When working in partnership with other organisations or agencies, agreements should be made about when and how information should be shared between them. This will form part of the agreed joint working protocols and could include the sharing of information via email or a shared proprietary ICT system.
If you use a proprietary care planning system, you should ensure that information can be shared between care staff, managers and the individual. The individual’s family/carers may also be included. All parties should also have access to read the care plan, although reviewing and updating the care plan may be restricted to senior staff only.
Marketing channels, such as brochures or social media may be used to share non-sensitive information. For example, newsletters could be used to celebrate organisational and personal successes or Facebook may be used to let the local community know about the latest recruitment drive.