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W3C-validated transitional XHTML 3.4 Involving people: Users and carers
In
the 'first steps' section we briefing spoke about the importance of involving
users and carers in the work of introducing and implementing information
prescribing. Professionals, too, need to be involved so they can see
the benefits of IP and think about how to incorporate IPs into their consultations. 
Here are some suggestions about how to ensure that as many as possible of the appropriate people get involved in information prescribing and make the process their own.
- Could you train Expert Patients to become information givers? [Find out about the Expert Patients programme here.]
- Consider developing the role of Local Involvement Networks (LINks) so that they play a part in compiling local directories (the databases of information that provide the content of IPs) and reviewing, at least annually, the overall performance of the local IP system.
- Could Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) co-ordinate the local implementation of information prescribing (provided they have the skills and capacity)?
- Could you involve local volunteering schemes, and help to develop volunteers' skills in this area?
- Invite people to be involved. Here's an example of how Heart of England NHS Trust invited patients and carers to be involved in their pilot and/or comment on its progress.
- Involve voluntary or community organisations in developing a local information checking scheme. This might be coordinated by your local authority in close liaison with the local NHS ethical committees. [see also the page on quality assurance]
Next page: methods for involving people
