There is evidence to support practice
development initiatives that improve the patient
experience and highlight their desires for
detailed information about their condition and
proposed treatment (national Institute for health
and Clinical excellence (nICe) 2004). Patients
require co-ordinated support, information and
advice throughout their care pathway. The
nhS Confederation (2010) states that to ensure
patient needs are met expert co-ordination of
care and effective onward referral are essential.