I would like your views before responding to a request to take part in a new survey on CARE PLANNING being jointly conducted by the ROYAL COLLEGE of NURSING and NATIONAL VOICES (a London-based umbrella body with 200 member organisations, established in September 2008 by and for the voluntary sector).

This survey is one of the first efforts to discover WHAT PATIENTS AND THE PUBLIC REALLY THINK ABOUT the government's care plan initiatives. Both National Voices and the Royal College of Nursing plan to communicate the survey findings to government.

Long-term Care Plans were an important part of the recommendations in High Quality Care for All, mentioned prominently in Lord Darzi’s summary letter.

So what is a care plan?
It's a record of the discussion that you've had with your health or social care professional about managing your condition. The care plan can be a written document or something recorded in your patient notes. The only people that will be able to see it are those that care for you, such as your GP or practice nurse. If you have a carer, you can also let them see it, along with other family members. The important thing is that only you decides who can see it.

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Question:
Would you say you have asked for a care plan?


Choices:
Yes
No

Question:
Would you say you were offered a care plan?


Choices:
Yes
No

Question:
Would you say you have a care plan?


Choices:
Yes
No

Question:
The government intends that care plans be drawn up in partnership with patients, so that the plans reflect the personal situation and goals of the patients. Were you involved in the design of the care planning process?

Choices:
Yes
No
Not Applicable

Question:
... and if so, were you provided with the appopriate support to help you contribiute to the care planning process (translators, cultural support etcetera)?

Choices:
Yes
No
Not Applicable

Question:
.. and if so, how much support did you get help from the following health professionals in the care planning process?


Choices:
GP
Cancer nurse specialist (e.g. Macmillan nurse)
Consultants
All the above
Others