Information sharing
Information sharing
Practitioners should be reassured that appropriate information sharing is an important part of their role in meeting the needs of children and young people.
Where a family (i.e. the child or young person and/or the parent/carer where appropriate) gives consent, information can be shared. Practitioners should inform their patient, and their family where appropriate, what they plan to share, with whom and for what purpose. This should be done prior to sharing or as soon as possible afterwards. The key points below provide guidance for sharing information.
If there are concerns that are not at the level of child protection (e.g. lack of motivation or ability to attend or comply with treatment and advice) but the family withholds consent to share information, practitioners should strive to continue to work with the family, providing advice and support. If circumstances fail to improve, consider whether any more can be done by you and your partners.
If any practitioner has a child protection concern, information can always be shared without consent, and this should happen without delay to ensure the safety of a child or young person. Further information on information sharing can be found in the Information Sharing: Inter-Agency Principles section of the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland and the ‘Getting it right for every child’ GIRFEC Information Sharing practice guidance.
Key points when considering sharing information
When to share
- When sharing is necessary, fair and proportionate.
- When you have consent or there is another legal basis for sharing.
What to share
- Share information which is relevant, necessary, legitimate, appropriate and proportionate.
- Share information relating only to your worry or concern – reduce or remove unnecessary information or data.
Who to share with
- Share information on a need-to-know basis only.
- Share information with your line manager/supervisor or a trusted colleague, lead professional or other key workers.
How to share
- Share information verbally, face-to-face, at meetings, via written reports or assessments.
- Share information by secure methods, ensure you record information sharing accurately.
Information to include
Your details
Name, address, telephone number and email address.
Child's details
Full name, address, post code, telephone number, date of birth, details of parent/carer, CHI number (or equivalent) if you have it, child’s school or nursery.
Description of clinician's concerns
Concerns may include:
- failure to attend for the first time following referral to your service
- missed scheduled recall appointments
- missed scheduled care appointments
- attendance for emergency pain relief
- extraction/care under general anaesthesia required
- concerns over parent/carer in relation to supporting the child’s wellbeing
Social history
Where applicable: ethnicity, religion, first language (especially if not English).