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W3C-validated transitional XHTML 4.3 The process: Developing the information prescription
The experience gained from the work of the pilot sites
demonstrates the importance of concentrating effort on:
- Content – ensure there is a system to provide reliable and relevant sources of information.
- Directories – create 'directories of information' that are easy to use, offer a wide range of help and links to relevant local and national services.
- Personalised – make sure the IPs are tailored to each patient and carer – their condition, stage, location. The format and method of delivery needs to specifically address patient and carer needs at that time.
- Issuing – IPs are created and given to each person through a prescribing and dispensing process (those who prescribe and dispense will be different depending on the setting and the professionals involved)
- Access – IPs are made accessible to users through a range of channels and formats.
Pilots have demonstrated there is no one approach to implementation or one IP process that fits all – the secret is to identify the process that provides the most flexibility to meet user and carer needs most effectively.
Setting up the processes that deliver IPs locally may entail additional resources being made available in the short term whilst systems and procedures are agreed, set up and then established. The impact on local organisations will depend on how information is currently offered to patients and carers and the improvements that can be made to existing practice by the introduction of IPs.
On the next page: a first look at directories
