Published: new optimal clinical pathways for neurological conditions
31/01/2024
New optimal clinical pathways of care have been published for a range of neurological conditions, including epilepsy and neurological autoimmune diseases, and crosscutting pathways for neurogenetics and rehabilitation for adults with neurological conditions.
The pathways set out what good treatment, care and support looks like. This includes treatment and support for people who may be experiencing the first symptoms of a neurological condition, right through to people who have lived with a condition for a long time.
Setting out good care, supporting commissioning
The new optimal clinical pathways in epilepsy, neurological autoimmune diseases, neurogenetics and rehabilitation are part of a suite of optimal clinical pathways. They set out what good care looks like and support the commissioning of quality services for people with neurological conditions, locally and nationally.
Other optimal clinical pathways in the suite include:
- functional neurological disorder
- headache and facial pain
- movement disorders
- traumatic brain injury
- motor neurone disease
Pathways for multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular conditions, mental health in neurological conditions and transition from children’s to adult services are also in development.
The suite of optimal care pathways have been developed by the neurological community, with the support of NHS England and the National Neurosciences Advisory Group (NNAG). NNAG stopped meeting at the beginning of 2023.
The optimal clinical pathways were developed by clinicians including neurologists, and people affected by neurological conditions, and supported by the Association of British Neurologists (ABN) and patient groups.
What next
These optimal clinical pathways are being published at a critical time, as Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are preparing for their new responsibilities as commissioners of many neuroscience services.
The pathways can be used to improve local services to meet the needs of the population and deliver efficiency savings across the system.
The pathways allow clinical directors, service managers, local commissioners, the voluntary sector, people affected by neurological conditions and anyone with an interest in improving services to assess the availability of key services in their area and identify gaps in provision.
The pathways are designed to support local services to develop plans to address gaps in provision for people affected by neurological conditions, improve care, and support everyone to access the right treatment and care at the right time.
We are urging NHS England, commissioners and providers to use these pathways, and we will be promoting them throughout the year.
