images from Darlington and Isle of Wight pilots' websites; photo: Nano

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4.12 The process: IP dispensing

Types of information dispensing

We have seen that there are different approaches to prescribing. Likewise, there are different types of dispensing.

Remote or linked dispensing

In remote or linked dispensing, information is dispensed through a range of channels that are located in a different place from that of prescribing. These channels include community access points such as libraries, community centres or voluntary sector agencies, national or local information websites and telephone help-lines – again, often provided by voluntary sector agencies or, in a few cases, NHS Direct.

Information centre

Several of the pilot sites dispensed information through a local information centre located either within their specialist service, or in a nearby building. Information centres are usually staffed by trained workers, specialist nurses, volunteers or voluntary sector organisations: these people have access to information portals and printed reference materials.

Self-dispensing

Self-dispensing sees users accessing their own information, usually through a website. Unlike self-prescribing, however, at least some of the information sources will have been suggested to them in an information prescription that a professional has given them.

 

On the next page: recording the IPs issued