Health services

Tender description

Autism: The service will focus on diagnosing and supporting adults with suspected autism where there is not a coexisting learning disability. Learning Disability services are already commissioned to provide diagnosis and treatment of autism for patients with a learning disability. In most cases individuals with an IQ of below 70 are able to access Learning Disability services. Those with average or above average IQ (Asperger Syndrome or high functioning autism) often find it difficult to access support and diagnosis services. For the purpose of this service specification this group of patients will be referred to as having Asperger Syndrome (AS) although this will include high functioning autism. Diagnosis should be in-line with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (or later editions as published). ADHD: To identify Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults, offer treatment and increase and improve the support and services available to people with ADHD and their families. The service will provide diagnostic screening; diagnostic assessment; and provide treatment and initial titration where medication is used, monitoring and support to people with ADHD under a shared care protocol with GP's. GP's will be supported in their role by rapid access to information and support from the service. The service will respond within 14 days of receiving a referral, complete an initial assessment with the service user within 30 days of the referral and a diagnosis will be completed within 90 days (days to be calculated as calendar days). The service will provide support via person-centred planning, structured psychological and social education programmes, in single and group setting as appropriate, working towards drug cessation for those that require or request it and help and support to develop coping mechanisms. The summary of recommendations in NICE guidance CCG72 will provide the key aspirations for the service, recognising full implementation may not be practicable immediately. The service should provide: a) A full clinical and psychosocial assessment, including discussion about the behaviours and symptoms in different settings; b) A clear diagnostic assessment pathway, including referral and screening options for GP's, AMH teams and referrals from CAMHS. (The pathway should include a description of any specific tools and the types of assessments in the diagnostic assessment pathway); c) Support to develop a person centred plan to help newly diagnosed adults to deal with the impact of ADHD; d) Structured educational and development programmes to learn coping mechanisms and implement plans; e) Support to cease the use of medication where required or requested; f) Appropriate clinical information to GP's where ADHD is not diagnosed; g) A response to GP's requests for guidance about supporting an individual where there has been an exacerbation of symptoms associated with their disorder; h) An awareness and knowledge-raising programme for GPs and other health and social care professionals of the pathway for diagnosis; i) In partnership with the patients GP, complete referrals to other appropriate professionals where comorbidities are suspected or diagnosed; j) Access to information and signposting to appropriate services for patients and carers (e.g. Well-being Centres); k) Information to help evaluate this model to inform future commissioning intentions; l) Development of ADHD screening tool to support primary care / and or other refers.