Caldicott Principles Death Explained: What does the Caldicott principles mean?

The Caldicott Principles are fundamental guidelines that organisations should follow to safeguard any information that could be used to identify a patient, such as their name and medical records. They also make certain that this information is only utilised and shared when it is necessary.

The Principles should be used by organisations to assess if they need to share information that could be used to identify an individual. Although there were originally six principles, during her second review of information governance, Dame Fiona Caldicott added a seventh in April 2013.

Principle 1: Justify the purpose(s) for using confidential information

Principle 2: Use confidential information only when it is necessary. Confidential information should not be included unless it is necessary for the specified purpose(s) for which the information is used or accessed.

Principle 3: Use the minimum necessary confidential information. Where the use of confidential information is considered to be necessary, each item of information must be justified.

Principle 4: Access to confidential information should be on a strictly need-to-know basis.

Principle 5: Everyone with access to confidential information should be aware of their responsibilities.

Principle 6: Comply with the law. Every use of confidential information must be lawful.

Principle 7: The duty to share information for individual care is as important as the duty to protect patient confidentiality.

Principle 8: Inform patients and service users about how their confidential information is used.