Confidentiality
About the course
This course equips care workers with essential knowledge and practical skills to uphold confidentiality in health and social care settings. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of confidentiality principles, relevant legislation, and strategies to balance privacy with the duty of care.
What will you learn
Key concepts of confidentiality, including its importance in fostering trust, dignity, and safety for clients.
An overview of legal frameworks such as GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Care Act 2014, ensuring compliance in professional practice.
How to implement effective policies and procedures for managing sensitive information securely, including record-keeping, communication protocols, and consent processes.
Techniques for identifying and addressing breaches of confidentiality, including accidental errors, gossip, and misuse of information.
Ethical decision-making in scenarios where confidentiality conflicts with safeguarding or duty of care obligations.
Employers’ responsibilities to ensure confidentiality for both clients and carers, including training, resource provision, and creating a culture of accountability.
Best practices for handling communications, managing access to care plans, and involving clients in decisions about their information.
Strategies to promote good care planning, collaborative approaches, and risk assessments to prevent confidentiality breaches.
By the end of the course, you will be equipped to confidently manage sensitive information, navigate ethical challenges, and contribute to a professional environment that prioritises confidentiality and respect.
Course Content
References
References
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). (2018). Governs how personal data is collected, processed, and stored lawfully. Available at: https://gdpr-info.eu/
Data Protection Act 2018. (2018). Provides UK-specific guidelines for handling sensitive information, particularly in health and social care. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/contents/enacted
The Care Act 2014. (2014). Focuses on safeguarding adults and ensuring responsible handling of personal information in care planning. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/contents/enacted
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). (n.d.). Provides detailed guidance on data protection and confidentiality practices in health and social care settings. Available at: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/health/
Health and Social Care Information Centre. (n.d.). Offers insights on secure information handling in health and care sectors. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/
Mental Capacity Act 2005. (2005). Governs decisions about data sharing when an individual lacks the capacity to make informed choices. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/contents
Equality Act 2010. (2010). Protects individuals from discrimination, ensuring fair access to services and safeguarding information rights. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents
Caldicott Principles. (2013). Guidelines to ensure personal identifiable information is shared only when necessary. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-information-governance-review
General Medical Council (GMC). (n.d.). Guidance on managing patient information with confidentiality in healthcare practices. Available at: https://www.gmc-uk.org/ethical-guidance/ethical-guidance-for-doctors/confidentiality
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2023). Discusses safeguarding adults in care homes and confidentiality concerns. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance
NHS England. (n.d.). Provides protocols for handling and sharing information in care environments. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/tsd/ig/
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