Information focus - other support
Guidance and tools
This section includes resources which can help with the understanding of and implementation of particular aspects of policy, and support processes for improving care.
This is not a comprehensive listing. If there are any tools you are using in your workplace which you feel should be included here, please let us know. The documents are listed alphabetically by title.
You may also find relevant guidance and tools in RCN publications and RCN products and services.
Some of the resources on this page are in PDF format - see how to access PDF files
Caldicott Guardian Manual 2010
This Department of Health best practice guidance sets out who should be a Caldicott Guardian and the role of the Caldicott Guardian within an organisational Caldicott/confidentiality context. Information Governance is also explained.
Data Protection Act
This information is taken from the Wikipedia website. The Data Protection Act (DPA) is a British Act of Parliament which provides a legal basis for the privacy and protection of data of individuals in the UK. The 1984 Act has been followed up by the 1998 Data Protection Act. This Act gives individuals rights regarding the personal data organisations hold about them and gives organisations responsibilities regarding that data.
Essential IT skills
The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Service offered by NHS Connecting for Health closed on 21 March 2008 and it was replaced by the Essential IT Skills Programme (EITS). Essential IT Skills gives organisations implementing a national programme for IT systems the means to train staff in basic IT skills. The programme is currently available in England and Northern Ireland.
Freedom of Information Act
This information is taken from the Wikipedia website. Freedom of information in the United Kingdom is controlled by two Acts of Parliament; the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. From 1 January 2005 the Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives a general right of access (subject to certain exemptions) to all types of recorded information, held by public authorities.
Information Governance
NHS Scotland's specialist eLibrary 'Information Governance' provides access to content, services and knowledge-sharing tools to support information governance. 'Specialist e-Libraries play an important role in enabling access and sharing of knowledge by Managed Knowledge Networks (MKNs) and communities of practice'. Users of the eLibrary can access to information governance quick links and topic-based information, searching facilities, shared networking space, and services to keep up-to-date.
Information Governance in NHSScotland: A Competency Framework (2008)
The Information Governance Competency Framework for NHSScotland provides a firm foundation for the development, commissioning and review of education and training to support effective practice.
Information Governance Toolkit
The Information Governance Toolkit is a series of requirements, produced jointly by the Department of Health and NHS Connecting for Health (NHS CFH). Organisations can used this tool to assess their compliance with current legislation and national guidance.
Information Governance Training Tool
The IG Training Tool is an online training tool focused on all aspects of learning about Information Governance (IG). The aim of the tool is to develop and improve staff knowledge and skills in the IG work area, to support the provision of high-quality health and social care.
Intute: Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health
Intute: Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health is a gateway within Intute Health and Life Sciences, which is part of a free online service providing access to the very best web resources for education and research. It was formerly known as NMAP. Intute Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health differs from general search engines because resources are selected and evaluated by subject experts and each resource is individually described. The RCN was a major contributor to this service.
NHS Connecting for Health: Better information better health (2006) (PDF 263KB)
An NHS Connecting for Health brochure which looks at the new systems and services which will help deliver the National Programme for IT. The programme of work includes; the NHS Care Records Service, Choose and Book, Electronic Prescription Service (EPS), National Network for the NHS (N3), Picture Archiving and Communication Systems, IT supporting GPs and NHS Mail. Benefits for patients, health professionals and managers are identified.
NHS Evidence - knowledge management
This site aims to provide the best available evidence and practical examples of health professionals successfully sharing and applying knowledge and experience to their daily activities.
NMAHP eHealth Toolkit. Indicators for success (2009) (PDF 265KB)
The Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) eHealth Toolkit is a practical tool which supports all clinical champions (NMAHP eHealth leads and eHealth clinical leads) in taking forward engagement in eHealth and progressing local eHealth programmes.
Patient confidentiality and access to health records FAQ
This Department of Health FAQ (frequently asked questions) briefing provides answers to key questions in the light of several pieces of legislation including: Access to Health Records Act (1990), Data Protection Act (1998), and the NHS Confidentiality Code of Practice (2003).
Skills for Health: Competence framework for Health Informatics
Skills for Health is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the UK health sector. One remit of Skills for Health is to develop National Occupational Standards (NOS) and National Workforce Competences (NWC) for use within the health sector to improve health and health care. The Health Informatics framework currently has 127 competences. The competences are intended to be used for a range of activities such as role and service design, and individual development.
Technology to improve service (2007) (PDF 233.6KB)
This Improvement Leaders' Guide was developed in partnership with NHS Connecting for Health and sits within the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement website. This guide focuses on technology as a tool and how it can be used to improve services and care for users and patients. The guide is a good starting point for people who are new to technology or have only a basic knowledge of it. Examples of existing and new technologies and their application within teams and in local health care communities is discussed.