Using the CM Care Record

Secure information sharing between health and care services is essential for delivering safe and effective care. The CM Care Record is a valuable tool that can be used whenever you are providing direct care to an individual, helping you to understand the wider care and support they are receiving. This enables more timely, informed and coordinated decisions about their care.  

The guidance below outlines how to use the information available through the CM Care Record effectively and responsibly.  

Using information effectively  

  • As documented in the Data Visibility Guide, some data feeds are not real-time and are updated periodically, so please consider this when making care decisions. 

  • An absence of information does not mean that it does not exist - always verify if unsure. 

  • The CM Care Record does not replace care conversations with individuals but can be used to enhance these discussions. 

  • The CM Care Record does not send notifications when there is new information about a person. You will need to refer to the CM Care Record regularly for updated information. 

Using information responsibly 

  • While you do not need to obtain a person’s consent to access their information in the CM Care Record, it is important to be transparent and inform them whenever possible. 

  • You may have access to information from a wide range of health and care organisations (see Data Visibility Guide). Some of this information may be new to you and outside of your area of expertise. Do not share information with an individual that may impact their care from other providers, such as a recent diagnosis they may not have been informed about. 

  • You should not print any information or take screenshots as this creates risks related to data security, record duplication and out-of-date information being used. If you require a report or result not sent directly to your organisation, you must contact the originating organisation to request a copy. 

  • The CM Care Record does not replace existing communication methods between services, such as sending hospital results and letters to a person’s GP. The responsibility for communicating results and treatment decisions remains with the professional who ordered the investigation. 

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