Information is important for people affected by neurological conditions

Meeting the information needs of people with long-term neurological conditions is essential to providing a person-centred service. The National Service Framework for Long-term Conditions states that people are to ‘have the information they need to make informed decisions about their care and treatment and, where appropriate, to support them to manage their condition themselves” (The National Service Framework for Long-term Conditions Quality requirement I: A person-centred service, page 19).

Evidence shows that people with long-term neurological conditions have improved health outcomes and a better quality of life when they are able to access prompt and ongoing advice and support from practitioners with dedicated neurological expertise. This can cover managing medicines and help to understand their condition and its current and future management (The National Service Framework for Long-term Conditions).

Providing good information and education benefits the person by improving opportunities for choice and levels of independence. Evidence suggests that it can reduce consultation rates (The National Service Framework for Long-term Conditions).

When people have good access to information they are better equipped to:

  • Improve their health and quality of life
  • Increase their ability to take control of their health
  • Be aware of treatment options and risks and more fully participate in decisions about their care and treatment
  • Act as equal partners in their care

(Better Information, Better Choices, Better Health, Department of Health December 2004)

Independence, Well-being and Choice — the Government’s vision for social care for adults in England notes that Information is clearly the key to decision-making. The Green Paper goes on to say that better information can enable people to retain greater control over their lives, and where appropriate, take more responsibility for accessing the help and assistance they need.