Assignment 307 Understand how to handle information in social care settings (307 Task B Guidelines)

Assignment 307 Understand how to handle information in social care settings

307 Task B Guidelines

Prepare a set of guidelines to remind social care workers of best practice in handling information.

In the guidelines, you must:

Bi  explain how to maintain records so that they are up to date, complete, accurate and legible

Information that needs to be recorded should always be written in a legible manner. Legible means clear, readable and understandable. It could be harmful to an individual if other people cannot read what you have written, for example in a care plan about the way the individual is feeling. Records must always be factual and not an opinion. They should include the correct date and a full signature of the person writing the record. It is also recommended to use black ink. Some documents will only accept black ink. Information must not be crossed
out or covered using correction fluid. Always record any information given to you by an individual even if you think it is trivial because it might help someone else. Always check an individual’s care and support plan before working with them as there may have been changes since you last worked with the individual, even if it was only a short time ago

Bii  describe how to ensure records are stored securely

Any documentation of even minor importance should always be stored safely via, digital storage or physical storage E.g. filing cabinet as it may be required in the future for other projects, thus increasing its importance. Plus if it is of a confidential nature the record/s must be kept safe as not too breech the Data Protection act (DPA) Files and records should be stored to comply with your companies/DPA regulations to ensure the safety of said documentation/data

Biii  describe how to ensure security when reading or making entries into records

when reading or making entries into records do it in a quiet or safe enviroment to ensure that confidentiality is not broken and that only the people who need to see the records can.

Biv  describe any special feature of different storage systems that help to ensure security.

Manual data

When not in use, files containing personal data should be kept in locked stores or cabinets to which only authorised staff have access.

Procedures for booking files in and out of storage should be developed, so that file movements can be tracked.

Files should be put away in secure storage at the end of the working day, and should not be left on desks overnight.