Implement effective information management systems meeting all legal and ethical requirements

As well as understanding and adhering to the legal and ethical requirements of information management systems in your own practice, you will also be required to support others. This can be achieved by modelling good practice, ensuring team members achieve sufficient training and implementing robust systems.

Because confidentiality is such an important part of working in health and social care, all staff should understand that they must ensure information is kept secure and private. Not only is this a legal and ethical requirement but also their professional obligation under their duty of care.

The Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR regulations provide the framework for how information can be collected, stored and used, so all systems and processes should adhere to these guidelines. Other guidelines that are specific to your own setting may also need to be considered.

There are times when information that would usually be considered confidential may be shared with others and it will be important that staff members have an understanding of these. Examples include when there are suspicions of abuse, harm or serious damage that could be prevented or in cases of malpractice or professional misconduct.

By implementing secure communication systems and ensuring that employees understand their roles and responsibilities, information management systems within your organisation will adhere to legal and ethical requirements.