Information service goes mobile
In the last issue of OpenDoor we reported that the LJMC had been awarded Beacon status for the implementation of the new Patient Information Prescription service (IPS). We're delighted to report on progress…
As a Beacon site, we are blazing the trail, testing and trialling the system so that we can share our experience with others.
We have been delighted to receive the support of Jenny Freeman who has been seconded by the National Cancer Action Team to work as a facilitator, helping us set up new projects and providing a link with other Beacon sites.
Jenny brings huge experience to the LJMC having worked in project management within the NHS for a number of years, including implementing change within cancer services. She is with us for six months so we are making the most of her expertise!
The early days of implementing the IPS have been challenging and rewarding in equal measure as the Information team identified the tasks that lay ahead.
The IPS provides a simple and quick way to provide information for patients and carers using an online system that collates good quality, nationally available information into a personalised pack.
The original idea was that a healthcare professional in the clinic could use a checklist to identify suitable publications for patients. The patients would bring the list to the LJMC where the publications would be printed out for them.
Seeking to 'go the extra mile', Macmillan Patient Information Lead, Theresa Sullivan who is heading up the project, believed that it would be more helpful to take the system to the patients, rather than expecting them to come to the LJMC.
We have therefore identified an area in the Outpatients department in the Cancer Centre where we are setting up 'iPoint' – a mobile information service where patients can stop as they leave the clinic to pick up the leaflets they need.
Initial trials of the service have been conducted with great success for all – patients, carers and healthcare professionals – and the service will launch properly in April.
Last updated: March 22, 2011
