Patients and carers
Who is I-CARE & Share for?
I-Care & Share is primarily for patients who are frail or receiving palliative care. This may include residents in care homes and patients receiving end-of-life care. It helps facilitate a conversation between the patient, family, carers and clinical staff
Who can complete an I-CARE & Share care plan for me?
An I-CARE & Share Personalised Care Plan can be completed by a variety of clinicians and generally depends on the complexity of the patient. It can be completed by a doctor, advanced nurse practitioner or even a pharmacist assuming they have completed sufficient training.
How does I-CARE & Share work?
The I-CARE & Share tools help professionals identify who would benefit from this approach and facilitate key questions to discuss in relation to looking ahead, incorporating patient wishes and establishing plans. The standardised templates ensure all key aspects are covered and help professionals to adhere to the plan. This can help avert a crisis and reduce stress for both patients and carers. The codes used by clinicians in completing the I-CARE & Share process help ensure that other partners involved in your care are aware the plan exists and as such coordinate in the way you have agreed with the clinician completing the plan.
Can I have a copy of my plan?
Yes, it is encouraged that all patients or representatives should have a hard copy of their plan for reference.
Can I change my plan?
Should anything change significantly then yes, you can request your plan is changed. This generally happens following a clinical review with the patient. However, most patients stick with their plan. If a plan has been in place for a long time, it may need updating.
Is an I CARE & Share plan legally binding?
No, an I-CARE & Share personalised care plan is not legally binding. Rather it seeks to gather key information together. Sometimes care needs can change and rarely this may require doing something outside or not in keeping with the plan. There is no legal requirement on yourself or the clinicians providing care in this scenario.
How does data sharing work?
Data sharing means information on your record from one team or organisation can be accessed by another team or organisation also providing you care. This may be between a GP and ambulance staff or GP and hospital. It helps ensure different care providers have the key information needed to provide safe, effective care and joined-up care. In the case of I-CARE & Share it can also help ensure all respective parties providing care be aware of your wishes, key contacts and treatment escalation plans.