Reading List

A curated Reading List to support and extend learning from Confidentiality at the Front Desk and on the Telephone.

These sources cover confidentiality, data protection, Caldicott principles, digital messaging, online records and the safe use of patient information in UK general practice.

1. Confidentiality and Patient Information

• ICO - Special category data
  Official guidance on special category data under UK GDPR, including health data and the need for extra protection.
  https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/lawful-basis/special-category-data/

• National Data Guardian - The Caldicott Principles
  The core principles for using and protecting confidential patient and service-user information.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-caldicott-principles

• ICO - A guide to the data protection principles
  ICO guidance on UK GDPR principles: lawfulness, fairness, transparency, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, security and accountability.
  https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/data-protection-principles/a-guide-to-the-data-protection-principles/

2. Messaging, Records and Online Access

• NHS Digital - Messaging best practice
  Practical guidance for composing and sending NHS App messages, text messages, emails and letters to patients and service users.
  https://digital.nhs.uk/services/messaging-best-practice

• NHS England - Texting, emailing and messaging patients and service users
  Information governance guidance for messaging patients and service users about health and care.
  https://transform.england.nhs.uk/information-governance/guidance/texting-emailing-and-messaging-patients-and-service-users/

• NHS England - Online access to new GP health record information
  Guidance on patient access to new GP record entries and considerations for privacy and safeguarding risks.
  https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/online-access-to-new-gp-health-record-information/

• NHS England - Safeguarding in GP electronic patient records
  Guidance on safeguarding-sensitive information, proxy access and what is visible in GP systems.
  https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/safeguarding/

3. GP Access and Records Management

• NHS England - You and your general practice
  Patient-facing information on contacting GP practices, providing requested information and what patients can expect from the practice team.
  https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/you-and-your-general-practice-english/

• NHS England - Records Management Code of Practice
  Guidance on creating, storing and retaining health and care records appropriately.
  https://transform.england.nhs.uk/information-governance/guidance/records-management-code/