The Department of Health has published its 10-year
information strategy The Power of
Information, which seeks to transform the way information is
collected and used in order to improve health outcomes for all.
CDC's host charity, the National Children's Bureau
(NCB), fed into the consultation on strategy, working closely
with a group of 79 children and young people aged 10-17 who gave
their views on how health information should be provided.
NCB
is encouraged that the strategy recognises the importance of
sharing information appropriately between all agencies involved
in a young person's care, to enable greater integration of
services. This is especially important for children with complex
health needs and those making the transition to adult services.
However NCB calls for more clarity, on how children and young
people will be supported to benefit from access to their patient
records, and get the information they need to manage their
health.
10 Tests for Government's Information
Strategy
National Voices, a coalition of health
and social care charities, has helpfully set out some key
tests for the strategy's success, from the viewpoint of patients
and their families. They are:
- It is easy to book an appointment
- You have not lost my notes. And you won't charge me for
access to my notes and records
- I know who is in overall charge of my care - or my
relative's care - and can speak to them
- You recognise that good information at key stages is part
of my therapy and commission it accordingly
- I get information about all the impacts of my condition
and how to mitigate them - including social, emotional and family
effects and financial implications
- Information is tailored to me, and my circumstances, to
help me manage my condition
- I am offered support to use information - it is not just
dumped on me
- I will not have the wrong treatment for me because you
explained the options and their risks and benefits
- I can easily communicate with health and care services,
regardless of whether or not I have a disability; where I live or
whether I have access to modern technology
- I know how to feed back, challenge or complain if I am
not happy. And I will do this in the confidence that something will
be done
These 10 tests can be found on the National
Voice's website.
An easy read verison of the strategy is also available on the Department of Health
website.