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Cancer in Scotland: Action for Change:
A guide to securing access to information
03.
INFORMATION NEEDS ACROSS THE PATIENT PATHWAY
Local Patient Focus Group discussions have highlighted frequently asked questions by people affected by cancer as they progress through the patient pathway. The diagram overleaf highlights many questions and areas where patients feel there is a lack of information. However, it is recognised that everyone has individual needs and that this list is not exhaustive. It is therefore important that sufficient, accurate and appropriate information is provided in the right format at the right time throughout the cancer pathway.
Because of these individual needs presenting the pathway in a format that everyone readily recognises and understands is difficult. A second model, prepared by a patient in a matrix format, is therefore also set out overleaf.
There are different ways of accessing/giving information either singly and/or in combination according to patients needs/preferences, e.g.
> Staff explanation and communication
> Information booklets, both general and specific
> Electronic/websites
There are also other innovative ways emerging of delivering information including the use of video and menu driven digital information resources available electronically. Some examples are noted below:
StartHere is a small not for profit organisation that has a mission to provide high quality public information free at the point of access, for as wide as possible an audience. Public sited Kiosks are used as the main means of information delivery and their own simple to use touch screen 'button-net' technology is the interface.
Patientline provides integrated services via bedside units incorporating TV, radio, telephone, internet access and e-mail facilities for the patient as well as healthcare information for professional staff.
SCAN Cancer Information Network is creating an Internet-based information resource to provide a 'single point of entry' to access information about cancer and cancer services in Lothian, Borders, Fife and Dumfries & Galloway. The network will initially cover breast, lung, gynaecological and colorectal cancers.
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