Policy for Sharing good practice, winter 2012

England

NHS Outcomes Framework (NHSOF)|

The NHSOF is used to monitor the progress of the NHS Commissioning Board and to measure quality of cancer services at a national level. HNA will be essential for achieving the outcomes under Domain 2 (Enhancing quality of life for people with long-term conditions) and Domain 4 (Ensuring that people have a positive experience of care).

Commissioning Outcomes Framework (COF)|

The COF measures the health outcomes and quality of care achieved by Clinical Commissioning Groups. Indicators 2.1 (proportion of people feeling supported to manage their condition) and 2.2 (employment of people with longterm conditions) should incentivise professionals to implement HNA as part of their day-to-day practice.

Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer, 2011|

This strategy puts patients at the heart of cancer services, notably by aiming to reduce the proportion of people who report unmet physical or psychological support needs following cancer treatment. Chapter 5 (Improving outcomes for cancer patients: quality of life and patient experience) acknowledges that patients’ needs include: psychological support, financial advice, support to self-manage, and information about treatment and care options.

NICE quality standards|

These standards are a set of statements designed to measure quality improvements within a particular area of care. HNA is included in some quality standards (end-of-life care for adults and lung cancer), but is absent in others (breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer), showing that HNA is not yet considered throughout the whole care pathway and for all conditions.

Northern Ireland

Service Framework for Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Care|

The framework sets standards that span the whole patient pathway from prevention through to survivorship. Several standards include performance indicators on HNA and care planning to be achieved over three years to 2014. It was developed by the Northern Ireland Cancer Network on behalf of the Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Transforming Your Care - A Review of Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland|

This 2011 review sets out plans for the transformation of health and social care in Northern Ireland over the next five years. It promotes joined-up assessment and care planning.

Scotland

NHS Scotland Quality Strategy|

This strategy underpins the development of the NHS in Scotland. It has three ambitions related to quality (person-centred, safe, effective), all of which support assessment and care planning through a focus on self-management and continuity of care. Quality outcomes two (People are able to live well at home or in the community) and four (Everyone has a positive experience of healthcare) are particularly relevant to HNA and care planning.

Transforming Care After Treatment|

This programme is being delivered by the Scottish Government in partnership with Macmillan. It’s a new work stream of the Scottish Cancer Taskforce and assessment and care planning will be a major part of the programme. 

Wales

Together For Health - Cancer Delivery Plan|

This plan sets out the Government expectations of NHS Wales in tackling cancer up to 2016. Local health boards are expected to assign a named key worker to assess and record the clinical and non-clinical needs of everyone diagnosed with cancer in a care plan. This includes regular assessment of the consequences of treatment, and other needs, such as access to financial, emotional and spiritual advice and support, to ensure a holistic, person-centred approach.

Continue reading Sharing good practice

Part one - Holistic needs assessment|

Introduction, by Noëline Young.

Part two - Secondary care perspective|

Dr Alastair Smith, Honorary Consultant Haematologist and Clinical Adviser for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Part three - Test site perspective|

Louise Smith, Cancer Information Specialist and Centre Manager and Ipswich Project Lead for Survivorship.

Part four - Evidence base|

Anne Wilkinson, National Improvement Lead, NHS Improvement.

Part six - Resources|

Relevant resources.

Part seven - References|

References for this Sharing good practice.