New elearning module launched to promote use of National Standards for Adult Safeguarding
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and the Mental Health Commission (MHC) have today launched an elearning module to help staff working in health and social care services to put the National Standards for Adult Safeguarding into practice in their day-to-day work.
The aim of the elearning module is to improve the experience of people using these services by working in a way that reduces the risk of harm to them, and promotes their rights, health and wellbeing.
Safeguarding is about recognising that any adult may be at risk of harm as a result of circumstances and or a condition and may need help to protect themselves at any point in their lives.
Rachel Flynn, HIQA’s Director of Health Information and Standards, said: “We all have the right to be safe and to live a life free from harm. Which is why safeguarding is such an integral part of a positive culture in health, mental health and social care services. It requires everyone working in a service to understand their responsibilities and work to supports people’s rights, health and wellbeing.”
HIQA and the MHC have developed this eLearning module to support front-line staff working in all health and social care services to implement the standards in their day-to-day practice and to identify any barriers to good practice. The module highlights the importance of good communication between people and services, and the importance of working in a way that places those using the service at the centre of everything they do.
It has been designed to build on the understanding of front-line staff using real-life scenarios as learning experiences. No matter the size or complexity of the service, the module gives staff the tools necessary to make their care person-centred.
Elena Hamilton, Interim Director of Standards and Quality Assurance at the Mental Health Commission, said: “The elearning module provides front-line staff with an opportunity to practically consider how they can best implement the safeguarding standards in a variety of settings, including mental health services. The Commission believes the standards will contribute to the development of a culture where safeguarding is embedded into practice, rather than being viewed as something separate.”
HIQA and the MHC hope that staff will use this digital learning module to strengthen and improve people’s experience of health, mental health and social care services across the country.
This digital learning course is hosted on HSELanD and can be accessed here.