Providing information to people affected by cancer An introduction for staff Friday, 14 September 2018

Introduction As a Trust we have signed up to implement ‘Cancer information pathways’ This is a N.Ireland-wide approach, undertaken by Trust staff working with N.I. Cancer Network (NICaN) team members

What is an information pathway? An agreed set of information topics/themes and written information resources, set against an agreed set of stages within the cancer journey Examples to illustrate this: An information topic/theme – ‘talking about cancer’ A written information resource – “talking to children when an adult has cancer” by Macmillan Cancer Support A stage – ‘At/from diagnosis’

How information pathways are developed Information topics are put on at the earliest point at which they might be useful for the patient/carer The written information resources are selected because they offer clear, accurate and well written information.

Information pathways Written information should be used to are not an exhaustive list do not preclude staff from using their judgement and offering further information enable a streamlined, regionally agreed standard of provision. Written information should be used to complement verbal information rather than replace it.

Overview of the information pathway (lung cancer)

The detail ‘under’ the overview Each information theme from the overview expands – showing the written information resources identified for it For many resources, you can download and print them from here This advises whether the information resource is relevant for all patients More help is supplied with the information pathway itself

Policy As a Trust, we have contributed towards the development of a policy “Policy for HSC staff on the provision of information to people affected by cancer” This policy came into place for staff in this Trust on xx/yy/2009.

Recording Recording information provision is essential for monitoring and audit (Cancer Services Framework, Peer Review, Trust audit, …) Recording information provision supports staff to follow up on patient understanding and need Existing recording should continue We are working towards a single recording tool (under development)

Implications for staff Need to be aware of cancer information pathways Need to be able to use them Need to be able to record information provision

Support for staff Skills development opportunities Clarity about your responsibility Tools to help you deliver patient care – information pathways, recording tool etc Contacts for help if you need it

For further information Visit www.cancerni.net/infopathways for: Policy Information pathways Recording form Skills development opportunities Contacts

Contacts: BHSCT Cancer Information Lead: Sally Campalani, Senior Nurse, Cancer Services Cancer Information Managers: BCH/Cancer Centre – Margaret McManus Royal Hospitals – Angela Small NICaN Regional Coordinator for Patient Information: Danny Sinclair patientinformation@cancerni.net