Frequently Asked Questions DCB 0129/0160

Are DCB 0129/0160 the same as the Data Security and Protection Toolkit?

No. Information Governance, privacy and security are all important aspects of developing and implementing a health IT system. However, in the UK, issues of IG and Safety have been separated out. The NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit (previously called the Information Governance Toolkit) is used to manage the security and privacy aspects of a product whilst DCB 0129/0160 is used to manage the safety aspects. It’s basically about using the right tool for the right job.

Sometimes it’s easy to confuse safety and security but the two are quite different. For example, the security features of a system might prevent a user from being able to read the electronic prescriptions of his next-door neighbour. The safety features of that system however might focus on ensuring that the medications which are on the prescription are what the prescriber actually intended. Both features are important and require attention in developing a health IT product.

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Related questions:

What is DCB 0129?
What is DCB 0160?
Are DCB 0129/0160 mandatory?
What’s involved in becoming compliant with the standards?
How long does it take to comply with the Standard?
If my product doesn’t make any clinical decisions, do I still need to comply?

Safehand provides expert consultancy services to manage clinical risk in health IT systems, maintain patient safety and comply with standards DCB 0129 and DCB 0160.