Many people with long-term neurological conditions (LTNCs) require support from a range of services, but these services do not always work in a joined-up way. The National Service Framework (NSF) for Long-term Neurological Conditions recognised the need for an integrated approach to service delivery. Our study explored what helps or hinders service integration. From this we identified three types of service that promote continuity of care:
- Community, interdisciplinary, neurological rehabilitation teams
- nurse specialists, proactive
- holistic day opportunities services.
We then conducted a survey of all English Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to assess the initial impact of the National Service Framework on integrated service provision.
Our findings show that:
- access to these important services is frequently compromised by restrictive eligibility criteria, ill-defined pathways and a lack of availability locally
- neurological charities and other voluntary sector organisations play a key role in improving access and promoting continuity of care
- implementation of the NSF for LTNCs has been hindered by competing policy, organisational and financial priorities.
The summary and the full report are available from:
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