As technology advances, organisations are increasingly moving towards electronic methods of storing information. Electronic data is now prevalent and has proven advantageous in many ways. The Healthcare sector is no exception.
Patient data in the care sector is an essential part of each person’s care record. There is a fundamental requirement for all care professionals to keep patient records secure and prevent them from being misused.
According to CQC compliances, to ensure the handling and storage of data safely, each healthcare sector should follow defined guidelines. These are designed to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of online and offline information. But it is a human tendency that mistakes do happen! When unintentional human error compromises patient data, there may be severe repercussions. Paper-based records increase the probability of error.
Transitioning to an online care management platform comes with manifold benefits.
Here are four key advantages of online patient data:
Maintain Governance with role-based access
Restricting access to online care plans and clinical notes will maintain clinical safety. Staff who achieve record-keeping competencies can be permitted to write care plans and notes. For the second level of security, approval sign-off from senior care staff ensures that everything related to care delivery can be cross-verified by trained professionals when required.
Up-to-the-minute information
Online record-keeping allows staff to work anytime, from anywhere. As a result, the care team will be referencing the most current patient data and can update the patient record in real-time. This helps care providers to comply with care standards and streamline daily tasks. Working in real-time on the updated data can ensure safer care delivery.
Accountability with Audit Trails
Clinical data contains valuable and personal documents. The change history of patient records can help ensure the quality of offered healthcare services. A comprehensive data history will assist should the need arise to investigate changes to patient data. A robust care management platform with detailed data tracking is essential for the care sector.
Ensure integrity with restrictive data edits
All health records must, without fail, be kept confidential. Data must only be shared with the staff who need the information to provide patient care. Improper disclosure of information is against data protection laws. Restricting access makes documentation less vulnerable. Authorised staff can process and preserve data knowing that the system is secure.
In a nutshell, offline records always come with the risk of unauthorised access and change. Having online records takes that pressure off the care staff and relieves them from the responsibility of issues arising from security threats.
Are you planning to invest in care management software with data security standards? Book a demo with The Care Database now!