The nature and constitution of informal carers' information needs: what you don't know you need is as important as what you want to know

Background. We explore the nature and aspects of the information needs of informal carers. A comprehensive understanding of these needs is important because it is the first step to meeting these needs effectively. Aim. We report on an empirical validation of a framework for understanding the information needs of carers, composed of four need states: recognised-demanded, recognised-undemanded, unrecognised-demanded, and unrecognised-undemanded. Methods. A qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with nine informal carers of diabetic children. The study also helped to develop items for the subsequent questionnaire that was used to measure the information needs state with 198 informal carers (over 18 years old). Results. The existence of four states of information needs was con firmed empirically. The occurrence and frequency of the four states may vary. Conclusions. The framework provides a basis for investigating, understanding and classifying the information needs of informal carers and information needs in general. It also assists in designing and providing information that may meet the needs of informal carers more effectively.