Rationale
Information sharing between stakeholders is important for the provision of co-ordinated care delivery. The recording of information is also central to demonstrating what services have been delivered and what outcomes have been achieved. All transitions of care need to be accompanied by information in a standardised format, ideally electronically, to help support the new care team to provide a seamless service. There is a need to obtain service user consent to share information outwith the staff group who are providing the care. NHS boards and their partners should develop information sharing systems to enable this.

Issues of consent and confidentiality should not prevent the development of a positive partnership between practitioners and informal carers. There should be a clear understanding at the front line of what is expected of a practitioner if an informal carer asks for information. Organisations providing mental health services should ensure that their stakeholders receive training and support in working through these issues, which are embodied within the principles of the Adults with Incapacity and the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) Acts.

Examples of evidence required to meet standard 7:
- Local e-health strategy
- Information sharing protocol
- Record keeping policy
- Storage of records policy
- Copies of relevant documents e.g. example discharge summary
- Local leaflet regarding consent and confidentiality