Approved Provider scheme highlights quality care for acquired brain injury

Care providers can now showcase their expertise in delivering care and rehabilitation for clients with acquired brain injury (ABI), thanks to an Approved Provider scheme from , which has proven successful since launched as a pilot scheme in 2009.

The Headway Approved Provider scheme has been launched to drive up the quality of support for brain injury survivors across the care sector, being recognised by regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and supported by the Department of Health.

Approved Provider project lead Caroline Prosser discusses the challenges faced in delivering sound care for ABI, commenting: “Families can be faced with a bewildering choice of units to choose from on behalf of their loved ones, with little or no experience to call upon to help make that crucial decision.

“The situation can be further complicated by the fact that brain injury is not a main category of care in the eyes of the CQC, meaning many units can and do accept people with a wide range of conditions, including ABI, with not all having the requisite skills set or trained staff to provide appropriate care.

“The feedback we received from families, via our network of groups and branches across the UK, showed that not only was there no clear information or guidance available on which unit to choose, but also that the focus and quality of care provided varies dramatically.

“The Headway Approved Provider project was devised and launched to meet the needs of families and to drive up the standard of care and support provided to ABI patients.”

In total, 21 units have so far secured Approved Provider status, with nine more having applied for assessment. Caroline Prosser continues; “Families are now asked to make decisions on care early on after the injury and often at other times, such as if a move to a more long-term setting is necessary. This can be very daunting. The Headway Approved Provider project is now there to help guide them.

“The scheme is also assisting units and families when dealing with commissioners. Third party accreditation is becoming increasingly important as people look to ensure they are commissioning appropriate services to meet patients’ needs.

“This project helps units to demonstrate that they’re doing what they are meant to be doing. It also give providers extra evidence to prove they are keeping to desired standards, while giving the commissioners of services an extra level of assurance when considering placements.”