Guardians and Principles of Caldicott

In what way does the Caldicott Report differ from other reports?

To discuss the Guardians and Principles of Caldicott, we need to have an idea of one of the various reviews. During 1997, the Caldicott Report commissioned a review of patient information in the NHS. Recent advancements in healthcare technology were examined in order to ensure that confidentiality was not in danger.

It is essential to share information effectively and safely in order to provide safe and effective care. Furthermore, information can serve purposes other than individual care, such as contributing to the delivery of health and social care overall or serving broader societal interests.

To maintain resident or patient confidentiality, organizations are required to follow several principles of appropriate practice. In Caldicott terms, they are termed “the Caldicott Principles.”.

It contains all the recommendations contained in the Caldicott Report as a whole.

What are the Caldicott Principles?

Caldicott’s eight principles serve as a standard by which healthcare organizations should ensure the confidentiality of resident and patient information. The sharing of data and information must be based on these principles only.

According to Caldicott, there are eight principles:

1. Justify the purpose of using confidential information

2. Don’t use personal or confidential information unless absolutely necessary

3. Use the minimum necessary personal and confidential information

4. Access to personal, confidential information should be on a strict, need-to-know basis

5. Everyone who has access to personal, confidential information should be aware of the responsibilities they bear

6. Understand and comply with the law

7. The duty to share information can be just as significant as the duty to protect patient confidentiality

8. Inform patients and service users about the use of their confidential information

What is the role of the Caldicott Guardians?

Healthcare organizations assign Caldicott Guardians to ensure adherence to the eight principles listed above. The boards review the information practices of healthcare trusts on a regular basis.

The video below provides a comprehensive overview of the role of the Caldicott Guardian within the NHS.

This video is courtesy of Maudsley NHS.