Mid Trent Cancer Network - Information for you (i4u)

 A report on The Patient Information Project 2004 - 2006 has been published by Cancerbackup, the national charity that specializes in giving information on all types of cancer. Working in conjunction with the Mid Trent Cancer Network this project aimed to help the Network become early adopters of the Supportive and Palliative Care Guidance for Adults with Cancer. The findings of the report have been used in the design and implementation of the Information Prescription Pilot Project.

For the purposes of the project the team concentrated on lung and head and neck cancer starting from the point of the patient's first symptoms. The research team carried out an evaluation of the information needs of those affected by these cancers with the aim of developing a model of cancer information delivery. They also made recommendations for best practice in these areas.

The project found that for information pathways and protocols to work health professionals must be given appropriate training and support to deliver and communicate cancer information. It also highlighted the need for regular reviews of practice. The researchers found that, while most patients trust health care professionals to tell them what they need to know, clear communication skills were needed. Patients most valued and desired personalized information delivered via face to face consultations that told them what to expect from their illness and the treatment they would receive. The report also concluded that more training was needed for professionals in meeting relatives and carers information needs. While most people in the study preferred receiving verbal information the report found a need for written information to be given both before and after verbal consultations.

In conclusion the report suggests that although national guidelines and protocols may help to standardize information, service providers should concentrate on increasing professional awareness of patient concerns and of ways of accommodating these. The report also includes an appendix giving the findings of a project run at the same time by the University of Nottingham. The full report and appendix can be viewed by clicking here.  (PDF LARGE FILE 1.6 MB)