Services that promote continuity of care: key findings from an evaluation of the national service framework for long-term neurological conditions

Purpose - This paper seeks to report key findings of a study, whose purpose was to: understand what helps or hinders the commissioning and provision of integrated services for people with long-term neurological conditions (LTNCs); identify models of best practice from the perspectives of people with...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Social care and neurodisability 2011-08, Vol.2 (3), p.147-157
Main Authors: Gridley, Kate, Aspinal, Fiona, Bernard, Sylvia, Parker, Gillian
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Case studies
Delivery Systems
Education Work Relationship
England
Field study
Health care
Integrated approach
Interviews
Medical research
Neurology
Nurses
Palliative care
Performance management
Rehabilitation
Specialists
Systematic review
Values
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Summary:Purpose - This paper seeks to report key findings of a study, whose purpose was to: understand what helps or hinders the commissioning and provision of integrated services for people with long-term neurological conditions (LTNCs); identify models of best practice from the perspectives of people with LTNCs and the professionals who work with them; and develop a benchmarking system to assess the extent to which these models are available in England.Design methodology approach - The research had three main components: a rapid systematic literature review of evidence; in-depth case studies of six neurology "service systems"; and a survey of all English PCTs to audit progress towards implementation of the National Service Framework (NSF) for LTNCs.Findings - A number of elements that contribute to the experience of continuity and three service models that incorporate these elements were identified: community interdisciplinary neurological rehabilitation teams; nurse specialists and proactive, holistic day opportunities services. The survey results reinforced many of the case study findings, particularly around the varying levels of service available depending on diagnosis and location, and problems of access even where high-quality services existed. The paper concludes that the systematic approach to delivering treatment and care for people with LTNCs envisaged in the NSF has not yet been achieved.Originality value - This study uses a mix of methods to assess progress towards national service improvement, based on evidence from people with LTNCs and those who work with them. As such, it provides a comprehensive benchmark at a critical point in the implementation of the NSF for LTNCs.
ISSN:2042-0919
2042-0919
DOI:10.1108/20420911111172738