The government's goal of having all care providers use a digitised care record has driven the development of NHS Digital Social Care Records Standards. These standards ensure that digital care systems meet minimum requirements for safety, quality, and interoperability.
For care home managers, understanding these standards is increasingly important as funders, commissioners, and regulators expect compliance. This guide explains what the standards cover and how they affect your choice of care software.
What Are the NHS Digital Social Care Records Standards?
The NHS Digital Social Care Records Standards define a set of requirements that digital care record systems should meet. They were developed in collaboration with the Professional Record Standards Body (PRSB) and cover:
- Core information standards for care records
- Data security and protection requirements
- Interoperability specifications
- Clinical safety requirements
- Accessibility standards
14 Core Standards
NHS Digital has defined 14 specific standards that care record systems should meet. Vendors who comply are listed on the NHS Assured Supplier List.
The 14 NHS Digital Social Care Records Standards
Person-Centred Care Record
Records must be person-centred, capturing individual needs, preferences, and goals.
Care Planning
Systems must support creation and management of care plans with regular reviews.
Risk Assessment
Ability to record and track risk assessments including falls, pressure care, and nutrition.
Daily Living Activities
Recording of daily observations, personal care, and activities.
Medication Management
Electronic medication administration records with appropriate safety checks.
Clinical Observations
Recording of vital signs, symptoms, and clinical observations.
Incident Recording
Comprehensive incident and accident recording with notifications.
Safeguarding
Support for safeguarding concerns, alerts, and reporting.
Communication
Secure communication with families and healthcare professionals.
Handover
Structured handover between shifts and care settings.
Reporting
Ability to generate reports for regulatory compliance and clinical use.
Data Security
Meeting NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit requirements.
Interoperability
Ability to share data with NHS systems and other providers.
Clinical Safety
DCB0129 and DCB0160 clinical safety standards compliance.
GP Connect and Information Sharing
One of the most significant aspects of the standards is enabling information sharing between care homes and NHS services, particularly through GP Connect.
GP Connect HTML
Allows GPs to view care home records directly, improving care coordination.
Better GP Visits
GPs can review care records before visits, making appointments more productive.
Shared Records
Enables care information to follow the person across settings.
Controlled Access
Strict controls on who can access what information and when.
NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit
The NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is a self-assessment tool that all organisations handling NHS data must complete. Care homes using digital systems that connect to NHS services need to:
- Complete an annual DSPT submission
- Meet specific evidence requirements
- Demonstrate staff training on data security
- Show appropriate technical controls
Important
From April 2024, many ICBs require care homes to have a completed DSPT submission as a condition of NHS-funded placements. Check your local ICB requirements.
What This Means for Your Care Home
Choosing Compliant Software
When selecting care home software, look for vendors who:
- Are on the NHS Assured Supplier List
- Have PRSB Partner status
- Offer GP Connect integration
- Support DSPT compliance requirements
- Meet DCB0129/0160 clinical safety standards
Preparing Your Team
Compliance isn't just about software. Your team needs:
- Data protection training
- Understanding of information sharing protocols
- Clear procedures for handling data breaches
- Knowledge of resident consent requirements
Benefits of Compliance
Better Care Coordination
GPs and hospitals have access to relevant care information, leading to better clinical decisions.
Reduced Administration
Less time spent printing and faxing records. Information flows digitally.
Commissioner Confidence
Demonstrates to ICBs and local authorities that you meet modern standards.
Future-Proofing
Standards-compliant systems are better positioned for future NHS integrations.
Getting Started
- Audit your current system: Does it meet the 14 standards? Ask your vendor directly.
- Check the NHS Assured Supplier List: Is your current vendor listed?
- Complete your DSPT: If you haven't already, register and begin your submission.
- Plan for GP Connect: Discuss with your software vendor their roadmap for GP Connect integration.
- Train your team: Ensure all staff understand data protection and information sharing requirements.
Conclusion
NHS Digital Social Care Records Standards represent the direction of travel for UK care homes. While compliance may seem complex, the benefits—better care coordination, reduced admin, and commissioner confidence—make it worthwhile.
The key is choosing software that already meets these standards and has a clear roadmap for future NHS integrations. As information sharing between health and social care becomes the norm, compliant care homes will be better positioned to deliver high-quality, coordinated care.
Revitaco Aligns with NHS Digital Standards
Our platform is designed to align with NHS Digital Social Care Records Standards, with structured care records and audit trails that support future NHS integration.
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