Reference: 10/06 / HCC AS 10/06 102
HCC AS 10/06 103
HCC AS 10/06 128
HCC AS 10/06 136
HCC AS 10/06 139
HCC AS 10/06 150 / NMC guidelines for records and record keeping July 2007
Data protection Act 1998
European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel / NMCStandards of conduct, performance and ethics
for nurses and midwives
GSCC Code of Practice
Use of Photography, Image Capture, Use, Storage and Retention
This summarises the procedure which must be followed by all HCC staff with regard to the capture, use, storage and retention of images of residents and service users, whether or not the individual can be identified in the image.
General
This guideline is written in accordance with legislation and in agreement with Hampshire Community Health Care (HCHC) and the Police Public Protection Unit (PPU). (See guideline 103).
Images for Individual Identification
It is normally requested that residents and service users permit a photographic image of themselves to be attached to their Care Plans and Medication records, to ensure correct identification. This should be explained to each individual on admission, and this image will be covered by the individual’s signature in agreement to the care plan. It is essential that this agreement be recorded on the relevant page of the Care Plan before the image is captured.
(See guidelines 128, 136, 150)
All images will be dated, timed and signed on the back by the person capturing the image. The image will be fixed securely to the Care Plan and medication record, and updated as required to ensure a true representation of the individual.
There is no specific requirement for the setting of these images, but they should be taken in a location where the individual feels comfortable and can present a view of themselves with which they are comfortable.
A standard digital camera may be used for this purpose and it is a courtesy to offer a copy of the photograph to the individual.
Images for social events within the home
Where social events are taking place, it is still necessary to request permission. This may be done by verbal request at the time and recorded on the daily recording system with the report of the event or activity.
However, if the resultant images are to be displayed in a publicly accessible area specific permission must be sought from all persons identifiable in the pictures.
Before Capturing images
Under no circumstancesmay HCC staff take specific photographs of residents or service users, their pressure areas and wounds, without ensuring that they are acting in accordance with Data Protection legislationand they can evidence they have the following in place :-
- Informed, written and signed consent MUST be obtained from the individual, or where mental capacity is in question, from a person the individual has designated as able to sign on their behalf
- Where the individual is not able to give that consent, this must be supported by a Mental Capacity Assessment, following which, a responsible person must be identified to give consent
Imaging Wounds and Injuries
- There must be evidence that this is the only way of monitoring the wound (other than drawing and measurements)
- Where wounds or injuries are being imaged, there must be a written procedure, which includes instructions on ensuring the image is always taken in a consistent format, using the same position, lighting condition and other variables (see guideline 150)
- A wound image may only be taken by using specialist equipment, i.e. a camera that dates and time stamps, has a measuring tool or grid and can have a name added to identify the individual in the image. The same equipment must be used for each image captured
- There must be a ‘SECURE IT’ storage facility thatis access controlled(see guideline 102)
- The storage facility must be covered by a clear retention and disposal policy. (see guideline 150)
- Staff must comply with the European Pressure Ulcer AdvisoryPanel (EPUAP) guidance on the management of pressure ulcers. (See guideline 139)
- Where a Safeguarding issue is identified, injuries should be treated as for wounds. In this event, advice must be sought from the relevant Safeguarding Officer.
Where the above guidelines cannot be complied with, the imaging of wounds must be referred to the community nursing team.