Accessing information about health and social care services

This is the second of two research studies on patients’ information produced for the Department of Health. The first found that few health information materials included a clear presentation of the likely outcomes of treatment, a discussion of clinical controversies and uncertainties, or an understanding of the patient’s decision-making role. Thus, they did not go very far to help patients make decisions. This study examines how patients, service users and carers currently find out about locally available services and how to access them.