2.2 First steps: Hot tips

When thinking about the starting point for IP do two things:

1. identify information needs/gaps in the service,
2. identify the target group of users you wish to engage for IP, and the rationale that underpins this.

1. Identifying information needs

If you are clear about your target group of users, it may be useful to start by asking staff, users and carers where they think there are particular information gaps, how IP might help to address these, and what might be the likelihood of doing so. Review any feedback that has been obtained through existing service consultation mechanisms, looking for trends in responses.

2. Identifying your target group

If you have yet to identify a target group, it may be useful to research the information needs of a number of potential target groups, analysing the potential implications of using IP to support these groups, and then selecting an area of focus. Typically, the focus in the pilots tended to be on piloting IP with individuals with a specific condition, for example, a certain type of cancer or mental health issue. Pilot work showed that sites were able to progress more quickly where there was already good data and a shared understanding among partners of the local target population. Consider using all available data-sets to help identify the target group, for example, Local Area Profile information produced by the Audit Commission.