Clinical standards for National Health Service wheelchair and seating services in Scotland.

Purpose: To develop rigorous clinical standards for National Health Service (NHS) wheelchair and seating services in Scotland.

Method: Clinical standards and an evaluation tool were developed by a working group using a well-established methodology. The available evidence was reviewed and a person-centre, iterative, consensus decision-making approach was employed to draft the standards. A public consultation was undertaken. The draft evaluation tool was tested during pilot visits to two wheelchair and seating centres.

Results: The majority of the 34 consultation responses were supportive, recognising the need to encourage and measure improvements and for a consistent approach to service delivery. Piloting found that the standards were challenging but achievable. The finalised standards and evaluation tool have been issued to health boards in Scotland.

Conclusions: Following a structured, interdisciplinary and consultative process, the first clinical standards for NHS wheelchair and seating services in the Scotland were developed. They emphasise the need for an anticipatory approach, shifting from a reactive model of service delivery to a proactive one. Although developed in the Scottish policy context and service delivery model, many aspects of the standards will be applicable to services based in other parts of the UK and beyond. Implications for Rehabilitation Clinical standards should be developed and validated using established, rigorous methodology with a person-centre and consensus decision-making approach that includes public consultation and piloting. Wheelchair and seating service provision should be anticipatory and person-centre. The clinical standards and the supporting evaluation tool provide the basis for consistent, high-quality services for those individuals who require wheelchair and seating provision.