Protocols and governance are the ways in which we judge what we should do with whom, and the standards and processes by which we ensure that is delivered to you.
Protocols are how we decide what is best to do for people.
Because this is sometimes misunderstood as a prescription of what has to be done, this approach has some individuals who object to it. However we use it as a guide and the advantage of this method has been stated elsewhere.
Although some professionals object to this as an approach, the weight of opinion is that the benefits outweigh the difficulties. We subscribe to that latter view as we can then develop and use the best research, so that our practitioners offer the very best therapy.
Our therapists will be able to form the most helpful forms of relationships to facilitate therapy, as well as be able to deliver the most effective elements within the therapy itself.
Our protocols will guide a therapist in how to work with specific problems and between you both; you can work out what is the best way forward to help get what you want from therapy.
Clinical Governance
Clinical governance is how we delivery therapy safely, consistently and well.
This clinical governance framework has been developed to be the very best available. The framework below matches the domains originally described by The Care Quality Commission, and that have been developed further in the Darzi Review.
We are very happy to provide these below, as Talking Therapies is very proud of how we provide our therapy to the highest possible standards.
These six domains provide a guide against which NHS health care is judged. Some are more relevant than others to our service and we describe them here in more detail.
Area
- Safety
[Enhancing health care processes and reducing risk to patients]How Talking Therapies achieves this
All practitioners are vetted. We take up references. Qualifications are checked at interview and for annual updates. All of our practitioners are fully insured. - Clinical and Cost effectiveness
[Using care based on assessed research that shows effective clinical outcomes]How Talking Therapies achieves this
All practitioners work to NICE guidelines, the best evidence based clinical protocols, the prescribed competencies and occupational standards. Talking therapies continually reviews new developments and implements the recommendations. - Governance
[Using good standards of management to ensure that effective systems and working practices are in place]How Talking Therapies achieves this
The performance of our practitioners is regularly reviewed by senior clinicians. Clinical supervision and our network underpins this process and we monitor treatment outcomes and gather client feedback to ensure that we are responsive. - Patient Focus
[Providing service in conjunction with individuals and respecting their diverse needs, preferences and choices]How Talking Therapies achieves this
We offer a clear assessment, with an agreed way forward and proactively seek feedback throughout therapy to work in partnership with individuals. Our multiplicity of modalities and flexible therapists, means that we will work to provide the right therapy for clients. - Accessible and Responsive Care
[People are offered prompt services with choices about treatment]How Talking Therapies achieves this
Choice is what Talking Therapies is all about, is it what is really important to us. Our website is designed to provide a point of access for transparent information about our therapies, and us so that clients can make an informed choice. - Care Environment and amenities
[The environment needs to respect clinician and patient needs]How Talking Therapies achieves this
Our facilities are pleasant to use, safe, easy to access and welcoming. - Public Health
[Care provided needs to reduce health inequalities and promote, protect and
improve the health of the population]How Talking Therapies achieves this
Reducing health inequalities was the main reason we established Talking Therapies. Rather than the traditional dogmatic fidelity to a particular psychotherapeutic training we are aware that there is an enormous body of evidence that some talking therapies work over others and widening the availability of these therapies through one service is our mission.