DH Analysis and results

Planetary Tribe conducted a detailed analysis of all the research findings in the main phase of the research programme. These findings were closely tailored to meet specified aims and objectives and were presented to the Department of Health in a variety of meetings, presentations, workshops and reports.

An important role for the DH web service
There was strong support from the research participants for an effective web service that would significantly enhance knowledge-sharing, communication and save time. The website was also perceived as a good way for the DH to become more accessible, and co-ordinate and share relevant information with users at a grassroots level.

Awareness of current website
Access to new technology is varied, although there was widespread recognition of the benefits an effective website could offer. Many respondents were genuinely surprised and often impressed with the range and depth of content available on the DH website. A core challenge for the DH Web team is to organise intuitively, and deliver relevant content whilst adapting to functional advances in new technology.

Our discussions identified areas where the website could play a supporting role. Suggestions were both practical, informing short-term changes, and ideal, informing longer-term developments.

These suggestions include:

• A powerful search engine to access information quickly.
• Clear access to relevant material. New and existing information should be clearly signposted and accessible in just a few clicks.
• Many suggested simple summaries within documents to help users scan information more effectively and clear signposting as to who the documents are aimed at, why they are important and how they can be used.
• Easy and quick downloading of documents.
• There was enthusiastic support for the idea of a personalised e-mail alerting system that would periodically email users about any new relevant information or service.
• Most felt that developing methods of sharing quality  and relevant  information with colleagues would be very useful, an email this page facility would complement the many informal knowledge sharing groups and networks that already exist.
• An effective website in the future would be highly personalised to users  content needs, employ intuitive features and clear communication tools.

Keeping up-to-date
For those working in health and social care it is becoming increasingly important to keep up-to-date. The respondents recognised that the website can and does play a useful role in co-ordinating and updating information and guidelines relevant to a range of specialised professionals.

Clear guidance and help for less experienced users
We identified a general need for guidance and help for newer web users. This could range from a basic tutorial about how to make the most of the website, to guidance about Internet health and social care resources. For example, what do the DH website and NHS websites offer?

Content
Organisation of content was identified as a key priority. Clearly signposted information provides users with quicker access and navigation around the relevant areas of the site. In general users summarise much of the DH content as topics, guidelines or library/archive material. For example when looking for the cancer NSF, some users would prefer to look via cancer , others would look for guidelines  and others may head straight for the library/search.

Labelling and organisation of content was reviewed across the site and for each key section. Adding metadata, tagging, to the content on the DH website will take time, but the importance of doing this has been recognised by the DH web team.

Consistency
There is a general desire for consistency in the style of content presentation, structure and design across the website. Users did not feel comfortable if designs changed too radically between sections. New co-ordinated designs and a new navigation system will aid smoother movement between different sections of the site.

Communication, consultation and relationships
Almost everyone consulted stated that improved communication was needed for them to make more informed and effective decisions. The website can be used to offer effective routes for consultation, support and relationship building. Wherever possible the web team are committed to empowering users and developing functional features.

If you took part in this research and would like to comment on the findings shown on the BIG conversation  please contact us. Or if you would like to communicate with others in the health field please visit the health conversation area.