This paper reports on a study which sought to identify the information needs of patients and their informal carers at various stages post-stroke with the aim of developing a database from which individualized information packages could be provided. The study used in-depth qualitative interviews with a total of 31 interviewees (both patients and carers) to explore information needs at three different points post-stroke: during hospitalization; up to 1 month post-discharge; and 2-12 months post-discharge. The information needs identified related to: recovery, treatment and prognosis; practical caring tasks; social activities; and resources available in the community. The study indicated that the information needs of patients and carers following stroke are not currently met and a desire for individualized information was identified. It is concluded that it may not be possible to meet patients' and carers' desire for information about recovery and prognosis but that a customized database covering the other areas highlighted by this study would facilitate improved information provision. It is anticipated that the process of providing such packages would improve communication within the rehabilitation team.

Introduction It is now more widely recognized that public involvement in research increases the quality and relevance of the research. However, there are also more questions as to exactly how and when involvement brings added value.

This paper explores the recent literature on unmet needs for health information, giving an overview of some of the research that has been carried out since Kempson's review and study in 1987. Many of the studies looking at health information needs have been approached from a narrow focus of individual information needs for specific services, with limited research into the views of the general public. The greatest demand for health information appears to be in the area of specific diseases and medical conditions with limited demand for information on the availability and quality of care. These findings may be a reflection of the narrow focus of much previous research and/or the limited availability of health information on access and quality. The paper argues for the need to look widely at the health information needs of households and families at all stages of health and illness, taking into account the interrelationship of needs and the social context in which such needs are, or are not perceived.

Social securiLv benefits provide an essential resource for most families on low incomes. This paper exanlints the 1iJe cycle of claiming activities, f r o m the initial decision to claim through to routine claiming. Neal empirical evidence is drawn f r o m a study of relatively low income households in South Eust England carried out b y the Aluey BHSS Demonstrutor Project. A number o f analytical stages which comprise the "claiming process" are identijedfor the ,burpose of &scribing the cornplex sequence of events associated with claiming behaviour. The paper shows how udequate explanations ofthe 1iJe cvcle of claiming activities need to be located within a broader analysis o f decision-making within relativetv low income househo1d.s.

At some stage during their lives most people will need information on welfare benefit entitlements and on the operation of the social security system in order to lodge a benefit claim. This article reports on the feasibility of using computers to provide benefit advice and support to the public, drawing on data from a study of potential users of a computer information system. The article concludes that expert systems technology could provide opportunities for developing welfare benefit advice systems which are easy to use and which can educate non-experts about social security administration and entitlement to wefare benefits.