Leaders respond to new draft neuro-rehab guidelines from NICE

Rehabilitation organisations say the expanded support proposed in the new draft rehab guidelines from the National Institute of Healthcare and Excellence (NICE) can’t come soon enough for brain injury survivors and their families.

Last week saw the publication of new draft guidelines that aim to transform rehabilitation for those living with neurological conditions in the UK.

There are currently an estimated 16.5 million people in the UK living with a neurological condition, with people across the country having different levels of access to care.

Designed to address this inequity in care, the draft guidelines propose expanded support along with a standardised approach to care across five major neurological conditions – including brain and spinal cord injuries.

Stronger collaboration between commissioners and service providers is also recommended, along with improved communication between health, social care, education, and employment organisations.

Dr Matt Rowett, regional medical director for neuropsychiatry at Cygnet Health Care, said: “Cygnet Health Care welcomes the new NICE draft guidelines on rehabilitation for chronic neurological disorders, including acquired brain injury, seeing them as a significant step forward.

“We commend the holistic, person-centred approach, especially the emphasis on emotional wellbeing and collaborative care planning.

“Key strengths within the new guidelines include the recognition of social reintegration and the call for integrated care pathways. We also suggest further development in some areas. Specifically, more explicit guidance on managing neuropsychiatric symptoms like aggression and apathy would be beneficial.”

 

However, Rowett highlights that there may be some gaps in the guidelines, stating that enhanced detail on cognitive rehabilitation techniques and the integration of tailored psychological therapies would also improve the guidelines’ practical application.

“Overall, Cygnet Health Care believes these guidelines offer a strong foundation for effective rehabilitation services. We are committed to implementing them to deliver high-quality, evidence-based neuropsychiatric rehabilitation,” said Rowett.

NICE reported that over half of adults and over half of children and young people surveyed in England said they were unable to access outpatient rehabilitation.

To address this, the guidelines focus on providing a more holistic level of care than was previously available, extending care to outpatients, as many find themselves needing continuing and complex support once discharged.

Greg Richardson Cheater, director at Richardson Care, said: “We welcome an holistic, person-centred approach to neurorehabilitation, as this is what we have been providing at Richardson Care for 36 years.

“Every individual and every brain injury is unique and complex so it requires a team of neuro rehab specialists to deliver positive outcomes.

“Our experience is consistent with research evidence that concludes multi-disciplinary support is essential to provide the best outcomes for survivors of brain injury, and enable them to live a fulfilling life.

“Making this support available across the country can’t come soon enough for survivors of brain injury and their families.”

The final guidelines are expected to be published later this year.