Management of patients with neurological medically unexplained symptoms within clinical services in NHS Scotland: The role of neuropsychology
A description of clinical neuropsychology services in the specialist assessment and management of patients with neurological medically unexplained symptoms within NHS Scotland.
17 May 2013
The purpose of this paper is to describe the role and importance of clinical neuropsychology services in the specialist assessment and management of patients with neurological medically unexplained symptoms (NMUS) within NHS Scotland. The paper aims to aid clinicians and managers who have responsibility for meeting standards 4.4a and 4.4b of the QIS/HIS Clinical Standards for Neurological Health Services (2009). The paper describes a matched care model for the assessment and management of patients with NMUS, with an integrated clinical team at its core. The proposed patient pathway extends from a central point of referral through to specialist assessment and formulation, which in turn informs matched treatment/management options potentially ranging from guided self-help to highly specialist individual therapy. The model also emphasises close liaison with local primary care, mental health and rehabilitation services.