The Care Certificate – Handling Information course focuses on equipping healthcare and social care professionals with essential knowledge and skills to handle sensitive information confidentially, securely, and ethically. Participants will learn the importance of information governance, data protection principles, and the legal frameworks governing the handling of information in care environments.

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Learning Objectives:

– Understand the principles of information governance and data protection.

– Recognise the importance of confidentiality and privacy in healthcare and social care settings.

– Implement secure methods for handling, storing, and sharing sensitive information.

– Develop communication skills to ensure effective information sharing with service users and colleagues.

– Promote a culture of respect and compliance with information handling policies and procedures.

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Course Outline:

Module 1: Introduction to Information Handling

– Definition and importance of information handling in healthcare and social care.

– Legal and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Data Protection Act, GDPR) governing information management.

Module 2: Confidentiality and Privacy

– Principles of confidentiality and privacy in care settings.

– Understanding service users’ rights to access and control their information.

Module 3: Data Protection Principles

– Key principles of data protection and their application in care practice.

– Responsibilities of data controllers and processors under GDPR.

Module 4: Information Security and Risk Management

– Techniques for ensuring the security and integrity of sensitive information.

– Risk management strategies to prevent data breaches and unauthorised access.

Module 5: Handling and Sharing Information

– Best practices for handling, storing, and transmitting information securely.

– Communication skills for effective information sharing with service users and colleagues.

Module 6: Consent and Capacity

– Understanding the principles of consent and capacity in information sharing.

– Procedures for obtaining and documenting consent in accordance with legal requirements.

Module 7: Information Governance Frameworks

– Roles and responsibilities of information governance leads and officers.

– Implementing policies and procedures to promote compliance with information governance frameworks.

Module 8: Reporting Information Security Incidents

– Procedures for reporting information security breaches, near misses, and incidents.

– Incident response protocols to mitigate the impact of breaches on service users and organizations.

Module 9: Continuous Improvement and Reflective Practice

– Reflective practice to evaluate and improve information handling practices.

– Commitment to ongoing training and development in information governance and data protection.

Target Audience:

– Healthcare assistants, support workers, nurses, caregivers, and other frontline staff in healthcare and social care settings.

– Individuals new to the care sector seeking foundational knowledge and skills in information handling and data protection.

– Organisations committed to ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards in information management and safeguarding service users’ rights.

Conclusion:

The Care Certificate – Handling Information course equips participants with essential competencies to handle sensitive information securely and ethically in healthcare and social care settings. By understanding information governance, data protection principles, and confidentiality requirements, participants contribute to maintaining trust, respecting privacy, and safeguarding service users’ rights. This course supports the development of responsible and compliant caregivers dedicated to upholding high standards of information handling and management in their professional practice.