Without information there is no choice. It gives patients the power and confidence to engage as partners with their health service.
‘Better information, better choices, better health’
The principle of Information Prescriptions: Empowers service users by:
•guiding them to reliable information
•helping them to better manage their condition/social circumstances
•giving them information at a time and in a format that suits them
IPs can also be used as a source of help to health and social care staff
A six month pilot project by the NHS andBrighton and Hove City Council
Key Partners:
1. Public libraries/ medical library2. Adult advancement and careers services3. Family information service 4. Key community and voluntary sector groups
• A “one stop shop” approach for service users, advice workers, other services and the general public
• Reliable, accurate information
• A holistic approach
• Access independently or with help
Perceived benefits of website
Who issues an Information Prescription?
• Any health/social care professional
Where can you access the information?
• PALS/ Social Care Access Point• Public Libraries• Health & Social Care Information Centres
Pilot Sites
• 4 GP practices• 3 Pharmacies
• Respiratory Ward at The Royal Sussex County Hospital
• Community Neuro rehabilitation team at South Downs Health Trust
• Health Trainers• The Bridge Community Centre• The Hangleton and Knoll Project• The Daily Living Centre
Analysis of pilot phase (July- Dec 09)
• The website statistics• 1,800+ Total Visits• 7,200+ Page views• 80+ Visits to the website per week
• Feedback • Very positive from GP’s, pharmacists and community
centres.• Users and patients report positive feedback.• Some pilots harder to start than others - specialists in
their field. Information Prescriptions = secondary support.
Next steps: June onwards
• Establishment of project workers for the next year
• Public launch of the website• Liaison with key information providers throughout the city
Prescription roll out to :
More GP practices
Adult Social Care workforce (tied in with the personalisation agenda)
Cross organisational work within hard to reach communities
Community and voluntary sector, where appropriate
Next steps….
Evaluation:
• Robust evaluation with those issuing prescriptions
• Look at take up and value for people “prescribed” information