1.1 Before you start: Introducing this resource

Here's what you'll find in this resource. You can also find all the links below set out in the site map or by using the drop down menus above.

Section 1: Before you start

You are now in section 1. After introducing the resource (this page) we outline the idea of information prescriptions in general. There is a page about national programmes with links to IP. Then we look at the benefits of information prescriptions. Finally, we answer some frequently asked questions.

Section 2: First steps

The first steps section looks at how to get started with the process of establishing IPs in your organisation or partnership. It begins with some 'hot tips' and a general introduction to getting started. Then we examine some different 'ways in' to setting up information prescribing in your organisation or partnership: possible models which the pilot sites developed; three questions that the pilots found were important to keep in mind — what do our users want?; what can our staff manage?; and what information do we currently have or could we get? The section concludes with a look at general principles of engaging people in the process (and an 'engaging people' checklist) – which we return to in section 3, 'involving people'. Finally, the section looks at how to start your planning.

Section 3: Involving people

Section 3 looks at the crucial area of involving patients and carers, alongside staff, in the whole process of developing information prescriptions. After an introduction to the section, and a page of 'hot tips' we look at: partnerships with other local organisations; involving users and carers is so important; and some things to think about when adopting different methods of involving people. Then we provide some practical tools, including advice on running focus groups and workshops and doing interviews and surveys. Finally, we look at how to make your information prescriptions accessible to everyone, and provide a quick 'accessibility checklist'.

Section 4: The process

Once again, we start this section with an introduction and page of 'hot tips'. Whatever approach you decide to take to delivering IPs locally, it will need to include the following elements, which we look at in this section: developing your IP; identifying content and developing information directories; and quality assurance; designing information prescription templates and template examples by condition; thinking through the different delivery methods and ways of approaching prescribing including the use of written scripts or prompts; and dispensing the information prescribed. We also look at recording what IPs have been offered; and questions of ethics that IP needs to contend with.

Section 5: Promoting IP

This section looks at how to promote information prescriptions and the work you are doing. After an introductory page and a page of hot tips and a communication checklist, we look at good communication planning to help you create interest within and beyond your organisation. Examples of leaflets and posters that the pilot sites designed are featured on the page about publicity materials. Then we focus in more closely on providing information to users and carers, and on promoting IPs to service providers and promoting IP to commissioners.

Section 6: Training

We start this section with some 'hot tips', based on the learning from the pilot sites. Then we look at IP core competences so you can see the range of skills for which training and support may be needed.  Two pages of case study examples show how different pilot sites approached some of the training issues they faced. We have related these to the 'hot tips'.

Finally, we have included a page on training resources. Although these are currently limited to the health field, we intend to widen this to include more general training resources for people who are not working directly in the NHS.

Section 7: About this site

This final section contains a glossary and information about the accessibility features built into this site. Finally, there is a site map of all the pages in this resource.

On the next page: What are information prescriptions? Some general background