Integrative approach is essential in managing neurological conditions

Timely referral to a clinician with expertise in the field is essential, says Tracey Baird

It is estimated that as many as one million adults in scotland are living with a wide range of complex and life-changing neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and Huntington’s disease as well, as those affected by cerebral palsy, brain injury, nerve and muscle disorders.

Neurological disease can be difficult to diagnose and can affect people in different ways. No two patients with neurological disease are the same. Many people living with a neurological condition self-manage their condition effectively day-to-day. There are some conditions for which no treatment is required and others for which increasingly effective treat- ments can be provided. Many people do require specialist input from a range of services, and unfortunately some conditions can progress and become life-limiting. Neurological conditions are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Scotland both in terms of acute presentations, but also because of the chronic and disabling nature of some of the symptoms and effects of the illnesses.

The effects of the increasing number of people living with neurological disease is ever more apparent. Timely and appropriate referral to a clinician with expertise in neurological conditions is essential. Neurological care should be accurate and person-centred and followed up by providing the person with suitable information, support and advice. People should expect to receive the same high quality service from the health and social care organisations that support them, regardless of their condition, geographical location or individual circumstances.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) is a national health and social care improvement organisation for Scotland. In February this year, I was appointed chair of the group convened and led by HIS to develop General Standards for Neurological Care and Support. This group, comprised of a range of health and social care professionals that support people living with neurological conditions, and has been working together to develop standards that apply across both health and social care, and set out the priority areas for neurological services in Scotland.

Standards are hugely important in ensuring that everyone in Scotland receives high quality care and support that is right for them. They drive positive change by supporting organisations to assess the quality of their service while simultaneously supporting improvement in the service provided. All organisations responsible for the delivery of neurological services are expected to meet all the standards. Crucially, they also set out what to expect if you are a person receiving care.