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A single information sharing protocol for adult social care and NHS staff is to be developed by December, the government announced as it published a new report on the subject.

The aim is to “cut through the current confusion created by copious amounts of legislation and guidance, enabling health and adult social care staff to exchange information more appropriately and effectively," it said.

Data that needs to be shared will be identified and requirements for service user consent clarified.

The new report, published yesterday,  identified confidentiality and the Data Protection Act as confusing areas for practitioners.

“This confusion is further compounded where central government departments and professional bodies all issue guidance on sharing information, which is often inconsistent,” it says.

The report is part of an initiative to keep paperwork to a minimum and free up front-line staff.

Download Making a difference: Safe and secure data sharing between health and adult social care staff