Patient confidentiality guidance for e-health information
Published: 28 August 2007
Issues around e-health information and patient confidentiality are covered in two new online publications from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
Competency Framework for Information Sharing in Nursing Practice sets down guidance and core standards for sharing patient information. The publication also helps nurses to spot gaps in their knowledge and identify training needs around this issue.
Information Disclosure is a new resource on the RCN Learning Zone for RCN members. It is designed to provide guidance on confidentiality, and why, when and how information is shared with others. This includes tutorials with a focus on e-information and records.
Sharon Levy, the RCN’s Informatics Advisor, said: “Holding electronic information about patients is a sensitive subject. There is a pressing need for nurses to understand the legal and ethical issues associated with the capture and transfer of electronic information. These publications will plug these gaps and help nurses to be more confident and skilled in dealing with dealing with both paper-based and paperless records and clinical information.”
Notes to Editors
For further information, interviews please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php
Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.
Competency Framework for Information Sharing in Nursing Practice is available to download from the RCN website at http://www.rcn.org.uk/publications.
The RCN Learning Zone is an online resource that enables members to update their professional knowledge and skills, from anywhere and at any time. The website has been developed to provide members with quick access to learning and information 24 hours a day. RCN members can access the Learning Zone by visiting www.rcn.org.uk.