Some organisations use paper versions of care plans.

This is not a problem as long as they are in good condition, up to date, accessible and fit for purpose. If you do a search on the internet for UK care plan, you will find lots of examples.

Many care providers are now using or moving to an electronic care plan system.

There are lots of different types of electronic care plan systems available.

Some systems are available via an application (or app). These can be accessible to care workers via their smartphones or tablets. Some electronic systems direct you to other useful documents as you add information to the care plan.

For example, when you record that an individual has had a fall, the system will automatically present you with the option to complete an accident/incident form. This removes the need for you to remember to complete other falls paperwork.

Both paper and electronic ways of working require correct information to be recorded and saved.

You need to be extra careful if you are transitioning from a paper system to an electronic system or from one electronic system to another so that crucial information does not get lost, which can put the individual at risk. 

Make sure you know what system is being used in your workplace.

There are usually advantages and disadvantages to whatever system is being used. You must know how to complete and review the information held about an individual you are working with.

Your lack of knowledge or understanding must not put the individual at risk. 

This could lead to omissions of care which is a form of abuse.

Any information recorded or shared with an individual should be easily understood. This means that we need to think carefully about how we present this information. If English is not an individual’s first language, we should attempt to have the wording translated into their first language.

Did you get them all?

Just so you don’t go away thinking “now what did that one stand for”, you will find the explanations below…

The rest, we made up for our amusement and hopefully yours too.

That’s supposed to be one of us winking.