Reading List

A curated Reading List to support and extend learning from Safe Use of SMS, Email and Online Messaging in General Practice.

Sources below cover safe digital messaging, confidentiality, data protection, proxy access and communicating with patients in UK general practice and other NHS settings.

1. NHS Messaging Guidance

• NHS England Digital - Texting, emailing and messaging patients and service users
  Information governance guidance for sending and receiving messages about individual care by text, email or other messaging channels.
  https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/information-governance/guidance/texting-emailing-and-messaging-patients-and-service-users

• NHS England Digital - Messaging best practice
  Guidance on NHS App messages, text messages and email, covering governance, patient safety and accessible wording.
  https://digital.nhs.uk/services/messaging-best-practice

• NHS Service Manual - Writing NHS messages
  Practical advice on writing clear NHS App messages, text messages, emails and letters that patients can trust and understand.
  https://service-manual.nhs.uk/content/writing-nhs-messages

2. Confidentiality and Data Protection

• National Data Guardian - The Caldicott Principles
  The Caldicott Principles set expectations for using and protecting confidential patient information, including necessity, minimum use and patient interests.
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-caldicott-principles

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

3. Proxy Access and Digital Safeguarding

• NHS England - Proxy access
  Guidance on levels of proxy access, establishing authority, security and recording agreed access in patient notes.
  https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/proxy-access/

• NHS England Digital - Safeguarding your patients
  Advice on record access for vulnerable patients, including refusing, reviewing and revoking proxy access where safeguarding risks exist.
  https://digital.nhs.uk/services/proxy-application-service/safeguarding-your-patients