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W3C-validated CSS 2.14.6 The process: IP templates
An IP template is the electronic, audio or hard copy format of the information prescription given to a user or carer. In other words, a template is an information prescription before it is filled in with the specific information for a user or carer.
Typically, an IP will record a user's information needs and, in some cases, will also include the information itself. In other cases, additional resources accompany the IP, supplying the information requested.
It is worth emphasising that the user needs to be offered not only condition-specific information, but also information on other aspects of their life and well-being, such as transport, money and sources of emotional support. The template therefore needs to have appropriate headings to prompt the professional using it to include this information.
The template also needs to be connected in some way to the directory. At one end of the spectrum the IP might be electronically generated using, for instance, 'Map of Medicine'. At the other end, a simple paper checklist may be used, enabling the 
professional to identify some leaflets that they can give to the user.
Many of the pilot sites tested out templates with users and carers; others relied on a core team of professionals. Users often requested simpler formats with less content and more illustrations. Some sites included diagrams on their template so that clinicians could indicate, for instance, the site of the cancer, or a flow diagram to indicate the care pathway.
Professionals appreciated the opportunity to use one form for multiple purposes. They tended to ask for checklists, to speed up and ensure consistency in the prescribing process. The Isle of Wight, intent to ensure user involvement, wanted to enable users to 'build their own pathway' using the Isle of Wight website. This site was therefore especially conscious that it needed to use concepts and language that were familiar to its users.
Formats
Developing templates in a wide range of formats is an important way of meeting the personal needs of different user groups, thereby reducing health inequalities. Typical formats include:
- paper
- postcard
- podcast
- CD-ROM
- DVD
- mp3 audio files
- web pages
- pdfs
- audio (by telephone).
The paper-based IP is relatively common, and comes in many different
designs. South Staffordshire has a short 'to do' list, with space for
some telephone numbers or websites to be written in. Some sites have
produced pads with carbonised triplicate forms – these tend to be used
by GPs, who can keep one copy for their own records, give one to the
user and send the other for recording back the core pilot team. Others
have developed small booklets, or wallets containing core information
and messages about information prescribing, to which relevant leaflets
and information sheets can be added. Many include checklists of key
information categories. 
Some sites have experimented with audio, visual and internet channels. The formats range from simple emails, which are similar to a hard copy template but in electronic form, to something more like 'an experience' than a straightforward information package. For example, some sites – especially those working in social care settings or with clients with sensory impairments – have included podcasts of users talking about their condition, audio versions of directories, or a DVD with BSL signers to convey information to users. A number of sites do not have a template as such but refer users and carers to a website for self-prescribing and dispensing, encouraging them with branded products such as pens, mouse mats and postcards.
The choice of format can be very important. Some young people using the South Staffordshire centre said that they did not want their IP to be written down because other family members might read it. Individuals who requested information about sexual health or financial matters sometimes expressed similar concerns. Some sites have also tried to meet other types of need by offering templates in different forms, such as large font, young person-friendly, Braille etc. The Suffolk template also allows the user and clinician to choose whether to include 'introductory' or 'detailed' levels of information. The survey found that most users received printed and written material, although a significant number were given information in a multi-media format.
Some of the templates that sites have developed are complex, both in the range of information they are designed to convey, and in how closely they relate to the specific needs of individuals. Some templates include prompts for the professional to use during a consultation, and pre-printed lists of recommended sources for different stages in the natural progression of a condition or points along a care pathway. Pilot sites agreed that while users need to have access to a range of information sources, some information is more important and others and should be seen as 'core information'.
Templates range in size from a small piece of paper or postcard to a 50 page dossier. Some sites produce a very tailored and relatively detailed set of information, which draws on a wide range of resources. For example, IP recipients in Durham might receive some leaflets, contact information for local support groups and details about transport options. Others produce tailored information, which is very brief. For example, South Staffordshire will generally write down one or two telephone numbers or websites, but will guide the young person through the process of accessing that information. Some sites have produced a directory which would typically be given out as a single resource. Yorkshire and Humber does this, although staff also have the option of handing the IP user a copy of part of the directory or getting the recipient to listen to a particular part of the audio version. Others identify broad needs which are responded to by one of a relatively small number of prepared packs. Finally, some sites, such as Darlington and the Isle of Wight, do not produce a template, but rather signpost users to a website, where self prescribing and dispensing takes place.
Some questions you may want to ask yourself when you are developing your template(s) are:
- How tailored will the information be? Will it allow for information to be personalised?
Will it reflect a specific care pathway or will it be more general and, if so, how will the user or carer know what information applies to them? - How will the template link to the IP directory used at your site? Will the IP be generated electronically or will it be a paper checklist completed by hand by a health professional? Do you want to link the templates to patient records or provider information databases?
- What format will your template take? Will one format suit all users? If not, how could you develop different formats?
- What content will your template include? Will it include diagrams to help illustrate the user's condition? Will it provide a checklist of minimum information requirements at each stage of the care pathway? Will the IP actually contain the information or will it identify the information resources available and where they can be accessed?
On the next page: template examples ordered by condition
