- 25 November 2019
- 4 min read
How we should manage privacy protection in our care homes
SubscribeSometimes the desire to do be friendly with our care home community and their relatives could breach privacy rules. Here's what to be aware of.
How important is confidentiality for care home staff?
You would think absolute confidentiality is a given. Yet in the rush of running a care home, there can be minor breaches in the spirit if not practice of this principle of sound care home management.
The guidelines with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) go some way to cover the need for patient / resident confidentiality but like most law driven compliance they often lead to the creation of a series of rules which may not always meet the intention behind the legislation.
What is the basic principle behind GDPR?
“The act makes our data protection laws fit for the digital age when an ever increasing amount of data is being processed. Empowers people to take control of their data. Supports UK businesses and organisation through this change. Ensures that the UK is prepared for the future after we have left the EU.”
This is robust around data but doesn’t cover verbal indiscretions – direct or indirect.
I guess what I’m referring to here is being mindful of sharing personal information about residents in the course of our day which is not strictly necessary.
Often, a care home can feel like a true community, people engaged and sharing everyday life – especially between relatives of residents.
A family member may be curious where a resident they see everyday has gone. Does the staff member say they are in hospital / what the cause is?
This is a dilemma – a balance between community spirit and openness versus perceived intrusion by sharing personal details.
About this contributor
Registered Home Manager
Liam Palmer is the author of 3 books on raising quality standards in care homes through developing leadership skills. In Oct 2020, he published a guide to the Home Manager role called "So You Want To Be A Care Home Manager?". Liam has been fortunate to work as a Senior Manager across many healthcare brands including a private hospital, a retirement village and medium to large Care Homes in the private sector and 3rd sector. He hosts a podcast "Care Quality - meet the leaders and innovators”.
More by this contributorWant to get involved in the discussion?
Log In Subscribe to commentSimilar Articles
More on this topicThe Home Manager Pay & Salary Guide
Registered Managers: How Much You Can Expect To Be Paid Working In Care Homes
The Complete Care Home Manager Career Guide