3152 TSD A guide to accessible information standards patients

Hello. People with disabilities or sensory loss experience some of the poorest health outcomes, partly because their communication requirements are often not recognised by healthcare professionals or organisations. The Accessible Information Standard gives healthcare providers guidelines on how they should communicate with people who have disabilities or sensory loss, as part of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. This includes people who are deaf, blind, autistic, or who have dementia, a learning disability or communication difficulties following a brain injury. All organisations that provide NHS or adult social care must follow the standard in full. This video will describe how your local NHS healthcare provider can help you, for example, by providing interpreters at appointments, using large print or braille in letters, or offering longer appointment times. With your help, they will deliver the Standard to improve your health outcomes and your experience of healthcare. You can help your healthcare provider by letting them know about information or communication needs you may have. That way they can offer you the appropriate support. Whilst your healthcare provider will welcome any guidance you can offer about your needs they also have a responsibility to find out about your circumstances and how they can help you. They will do this by following these five steps: Identify - The first step is to identify your requirements and so you will be asked about your information and communication needs. Record – Your information and communication needs will be documented in your notes. This should include your preferred contact method and information format, and whether additional communication support is needed. Flag – Your needs will be flagged or highlighted on your records so that they are clearly visible to all staff. Share - To ensure you have the best possible healthcare experience, we will share this information in referrals and handovers with other individuals and organisations who are involved in your care. We assure you that this will only be shared where necessary, and within existing confidentiality and data protection protocols. Meet - Finally we will ensure that your information and communication needs are met by responding to your requirements. Please contact us if you have any questions about the Accessible Information Standard and how we can best meet your needs.