Explain why it is important to have secure systems for recording and storing information in a care setting

Secure systems must be used for the recording and storing of information for several reasons.

As stated in the previous section, legislation dictates that personal information must be secured to prevent it from being accessed by unauthorised individuals. It will also be part of your organisation’s policies and procedures.

Keeping information safe is also a requisite of high-quality care and best practice as well as helping to meet standards such as the Care Quality Commission’s fundamental standards.

By preventing private information from falling into the hands of others, you are also fulfilling your duty of care and reducing the likelihood of abuse.

And, of course, it is the ethical thing to do – if someone shares information with you in confidence, you have a duty of confidentiality to ensure it is kept safe.