Accessible Information Standard
Making health and social care information accessible
From 1 August 2016 onwards, all organisations that provide NHS care and/or publicly-funded adult social care are legally required to follow the Accessible Information Standard. The Standard sets out a specific, consistent approach to identifying, recording, flagging, sharing and meeting the information and communication support needs of patients, service users, carers and parents with a disability, impairment or sensory loss.
The Accessible Information Standard (DCB1605 Accessible Information)
The Accessible Information Standard, formally known as DCB1605 Accessible Information, is made up of a specification and implementation guidance.
In August 2017, revised versions of the specification and Implementation Guidance were issued, following a post-implementation review of the Standard:
- Accessible Information Standard Specification v1.1 (PDF)
- Accessible Information Standard Specification v1.1 (Word)
- Accessible Information Standard Implementation Guidance v1.1 (PDF)
- Accessible Information Standard Implementation Guidance v1.1 (Word)
‘Change papers’ have also been published to explain the amendments made to the ‘original’ specification and implementation guidance:
- Accessible Information Standard Specification Change Paper (PDF)
- Accessible Information Standard Specification Change Paper (Word)
- Accessible Information Standard Implementation Guidance Change Paper (PDF)
- Accessible Information Standard Implementation Guidance Change Paper (Word)
The ‘Information Standards Notice’ (ISN) and other official information relating to the Standard can be found on the NHS Digital website.
Overview of the Standard
We have worked with the charity Sense to develop an animated video which provides a step-by-step overview of the Standard. The video includes subtitles and BSL interpretation.
A short summary document which provides an overview of the Standard for patients, service users, carers and parents is also available in a range of formats.
Post-implementation review
During January-March 2017 NHS England led a review of the standard to assess impact and check that it is ‘fit for purpose’.
Over 1600 people had their say and a report of the review is available in a range of formats:
- Accessible Information Standard Review Report (Word)
- Accessible Information Standard Review Report (PDF)
- Accessible Information Standard Review Report (British Sign Language video with subtitles)
- Accessible Information Standard Review Report (Easy Read)
- Accessible Information Standard Review Report (Audio)
The report is also available on request as a paper copy, including in large print and easy read, in braille, on audio CD and BSL DVD.
Feedback received as part of the review informed the revised versions of the Specification and Implementation Guidance for the Standard which were published in August 2017.
If you have any queries please contact england.nhs.participation@nhs.net or patients/members of the public can call 0300 311 22 33.