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

2. 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

3. 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’

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Overview of the information pathway (lung cancer)

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. For further information
Visit
for:
Policy
Information pathways
Recording form
Skills development opportunities
Contacts

13. 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