Click here to Enlarge
Confidentiality- information sharing
Remembering that data protection act is not a barrier to sharing information but provides a framework to ensure that personal information about living persons is shared appropriately
Be open and honest with the person ( and or family where appropriate ) from the outset about why , what, how and with whom information will , or could be shared , and seek their agreement , unless it is unsafe or inappropriate to do so
Share with consent where appropriate and where possible respect the wishes of those who do not consent to share confidential information. You may still share information without consent if in your judgment , that lack of consent can be overridden in the public interest. You will need to base your judgment on the facts of the case
Consider safety and well being -base your information sharing decisions on considerations of the safety and well being of the person and others who may be affected by their decisions
Seek advice if you are in doubt without disclosing the identity of the person where possible
Necessary , proportionate , relevant , accurate , timely and secure Ensure that the information you share is necessary for the purpose for which you are sharing it , is shared only with those people who need to have it , is accurate and up to date , is shared in a timely fashion and is shared securely.
eep record of your decision and the reasons for it- whether it is to share information or not. If you decide to share , then record what have you shared, with whom and for what purpose.
Share information Identity how much information to share Distinguish fact from opinion Ensure that you are giving the right information to the right person Ensure you are sharing the information securely Inform the person that the information has been shared if they were not aware of this and it would not create or increase risk of harm
Record the information sharing decision and your reasons in line with your agency’s or local procedures
If there are concerns that a child may be at risk of significant harm or an adult may be at risk of serious harm , then follow the relevant procedures without delay Seek advice if you are not sure what to do at any stage and ensure that the outcome of the discussion is recorded