Developing a long-term condition's information service in collaboration with third sector organisations

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Patient Information Services
• Chronic Disease Management

Background:

• Individuals with long-term conditions require accessible, high-quality information to effectively manage their health.
• Information-seeking tools and third-sector collaborations can meet these critical patient needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a novel information service for patients managing long-term conditions within an NHS acute trust.
• To evaluate the effectiveness and user satisfaction of this new information service.

Main Methods:

• A pilot information service was created using tailored information models for three specific long-term conditions.
• Collaboration with third-sector organizations ensured the provision of relevant and reliable health information.
• Clinician and patient satisfaction surveys were employed to assess the service's impact and usability.

Main Results:

• Information models proved adaptable and interchangeable across different healthcare services.
• High user satisfaction rates (75%-91%) were reported for various aspects of the service.
• Patients received pertinent, understandable, and timely high-quality information; healthcare professionals found the service accessible and non-disruptive.

Conclusions:

• The implemented information service was positively received by both patients and healthcare professionals.
• The use of information prescriptions and structured information menus significantly improved access to essential health information for individuals with long-term conditions.