What is the Accessible Information Standard?
The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) is a mandatory standard that was introduced for implementation by 31st July 2016 in all GP practices.
The AIS aims to ensure that people who have a disability or sensory loss receive information which they can access and understand, e.g. in large print, braille or via email, and professional communication support if they need it, such as an interpreter or sign language interpreter.
The standard directs and defines a specific, consistent approach to identifying, recording, flagging, sharing and meeting the information and communication support needs of patients, service users, carers and parents, where those needs relate to a disability, impairment or sensory loss.
It is particularly relevant to individuals who are blind, deaf, deafblind and/or have a learning disability, although it will support anyone with information or communication needs relating to a disability, impairment or sensory loss e.g those who have a mental health condition which affects their ability to communicate.
For more information regarding the Accessible Information Standard watch the video clip below:
Scope
This policy applies to all staff working within the practice so they are aware of their responsibilities to all of our patients. All staff within the practice will endeavour to establish whether patients have specific needs in order for them to receive the best care possible.
This will be done via the New Patient Registration Form and also opportunistically during patient contact.
The New Patient Registration Form has a section where patients can alert the practice to any specific needs that they may have.
Specific needs include:
- Sensory impairment, including speech, hearing and sight
- Physical disability
- Mental disability
- Religious or cultural needs
- Translation/interpretation
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Has or is a carer
- Access to premises
Will will ensure the following:
- The information will be transferred to the Patient Record to ensure patient specific needs are identified.
- The patient’s record will be highlighted, so it is clear there are information or communication needs and it will clearly detail the patient's needs.
- This information will be shared with other NHS organisations when required, if the practice has consent.
- The practice will make sure patients get information in an accessible way, and communication support should they require it.
Patients should be aware, this may not be instant and may take some time to organise, depending on the needs required.
Meeting the needs of our patients
City View Medical Practice will endeavour to provide one or more communications or contact methods which are accessible to and useable by the patient, service user, carer or parent. The method must enable the individual to contact the service and staff MUST use this method to contact the individual.
The NHS Accessible Information - Overview is available here.