Confidentiality- Information sharing

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