News > Producing and disseminating health information

Online Information Prescriptions have been launched on the NHS Choices web site. The new service provides information on more than 100 long-term conditions, from tooth abscesses to prostate cancer and heart failure. The service allows users to find and select the information they need at the time, including basic information about their condition, treatment, prevention and clinical trials. Users can also find more specialised information about their condition from external parter organisations (NICE feature widely, as do some larger national health charities),  local support organisations and services in their local area.

The Information Prescription can be printed, emailed as a digital version and stored in the patient’s records.

New e-learning and self-assessment tools are available to help staff improve their information-giving skills. The e-learning module is called An introduction to delivering information prescriptions. This free interactive training course will help health and social care staff to understand and deliver information prescriptions, developing the skills and competencies that are required for assessing information needs and prescribing appropriate information. The self-assessment management tool covers the steps an organisation needs to take to provide information prescriptions, as well as identify what organisational and workforce support is needed.

For further information and access to these tools, visit:
www.nhsemployers.org/PlanningYourWorkforce/LongTermConditions/InformationPrescriptions/Pages/AboutInformationPrescriptions_Final.aspx

www.NHS.uk/ips