A Future Vision for Mental Health

This report sets out a vision for good mental health across our society requiring responses from all parts of the public sector, and calls for a cabinet level champion to make good mental health ingrained into government policy. Read more here.

About Time

About Time is a step-by-step guide guide to transforming day and vocational services to support recovery from mental ill-health.  It is based on experience in two counties in England. Read the document here.

Access To Work - DWP

Access to work is a specialist disability service delivered by Jobcentre Plus, which provides practical advice and support to disabled people and their employes to help them overcome work related obstacles resulting from disability. 

Access To Work - Three fact sheets from Jobcentre Plus and Department for Work and Pensions, download them here

Amputee rehabilitation: recommended standards and guidelines (2nd edition)

The proposed standards and guidelines are based on national consensus. The guidelines address the management of individual patients with a particular condition or problem, whilst the standards are recommendations which apply to services or conditions. Read more here.

Attitudes to Mental Illness 2010

Since March 1994, the Department of Health has been surveying the attitude of the public towards mental illness. Read the 2010 national statistics on Attitudes to Mental Illness here.

BSRM- Briefing Paper on Neurological Rehabilitation

The purposes of this Paper are: To define and describe the specialist rehabilitation needs of people with both acute and chronic neurological conditions; to outline the role of rehabilitation medicine in neurological rehabilitation; and to identify current commissioning issues. Access the Paper here.

Commissioning for Personalisation: from the Fringes to the Mainstream

This report from CIPFA & Public Management and Policy Association examines how personalisation is reshaping public services. It takes stock of how far the personalisation agenda has advanced, highlighting its penetration into a wide range of services and identifying common themes. Access the Report here.

Commissioning Guide: Pulmonary rehabilitation service for patients with COPD

This commissioning guide is a resource to help health professionals in England to commission effective pulmonary rehabilitation services for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Read the guide here.

CREST - Management of Neuropathic Pain Guidelines

Neuropathic pain arising as a result of a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system affects 1.5% of the UK population. These guidelines are produced to assist those who see sufferers infrequently and who wish to initiate therapy or refer on appropriately. Read the guidelines here.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain: Joint Guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society

This guideline presents the available evidence for evaluation and management of acute and chronic low back pain in primary care settings. The target audience for this guideline is all clinicians caring for patients with low (lumbar) back pain of any duration, either with or without leg pain. Read the guideline here.

Economic and social costs of mental health problems in 2009/10

It is estimated that as of 2010 the cost of mental ill health in England is £105.2 billion a year. The figure released by the Centre for Mental Health includes the costs of health and social care for people with mental health problems, lost output in the economy, and the human costs of reduced quality of life. To read more, click here.

Effectiveness of Supplementing a Standard Rehabilitation Program With uperimposed Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can be a beneficial supplement to traditional forms of therapy in the period after knee surgery. Read the full study here.

Enabling Excellence: Autonomy and Accountability for Health and Social Care Staff

This Command Paper sets out the Government strategy for reforming and simplifying the system for regulating healthcare workers in the UK and social workers and social care workers in England. To access this Paper, click here.

Exercising healthy outcomes: sport and exercise medicine: a guide for commissioners to developing musculoskeletal and exercise medicine services

The document outlines how the new medical specialty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM)can provide a cost-efficient option for providing musculoskeletal services. The exercise medicine and wellness sections outline how SEM can provide medical support to patients and staff who wish to engage in health-enhancing physical activity, exercise or sport. Read the Guide here.

From social security to social productivity (Commission on 2020 Public Services)

The report calls for a complete reconfiguring of public services around the needs and capabilities of citizens, based on the principle of social productivity.  Click here to access the report, and view the associated interim report 'Beyond Beveridge' here.

Health and Wellbeing: The Boorman Review

This independent NHS Review sets out a clear agenda for change for the NHS, and provides a comprehensive set of recommendations for improvement in provision of health and well-being across the NHS. Access the review here. To view the business case for mental health, click here.

Health works - A review of the Scottish Government's Healthy Working Lives Strategy

Health Works (2009) outlines the Scottish Government's revised approach to encouraging healthy working lives. It sets out the reasons behind the need to change attitudes to health and work amongst employers, workers and healthcare professions, and the actions that will be necessary to achieve this. Read Health Works here.

Healthy Lives, Health People: The Strategy for Public Health in England

The White Paper sets out the Government’s long-term vision for the future of public health in England. The aim is to create a ‘wellness’ service (Public Health England) and to strengthen both national and local leadership. Access the Paper here.

Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People

Published in January 2005, 'Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People', sets out the UK Government's key aims and 20-year vision on how to improve equality for disabled people in Britain. Read the report here.

Integrated services for people with long-term neurological conditions: Evaluation of the impact of the National Service Framework

Many people with long-term neurological conditions (LTNCs) require support from a range of services, but these services do not always work in a joined-up way. This study explores what helps or hinders service integration and identifies three types of service that promote continuity of care.

Management of patients with stroke: rehabilitation, prevention and management of complications, and discharge planning

The aim of this guideline is to optimise the management of stroke patients. The guideline is intended for stroke physicians, clinicians, primary care teams and hospital departments. Read the document here.

Mapping Effective Responses to Job Retention

Commissioned by the European Social Fund and Welsh Assembly government 'Mapping Effective Responses to Job Retention' reviews job retention programmes for people with mental health needs, and provides recommendations for their improvement. Read this July 2007 report here.

Market Research for Online Communities in the NHS

Networking and knowledge sharing are not often done effectively in the NHS. This research examines: what affects people’s use of online resources; how do people go about sharing ideas at the moment; what technologies are people using at present; and do people want a new network? Click here for more.

Measurement of outcome in rehabilitation: "basket" of measures

The need to measure outcome in rehabilitation is clearly recognised, but there is debate as to how this should be achieved.  This 'basket' of recommended instruments aims to guide rehabilitation units wishing to collect formal measures but needing guidance on how to do this, and which to choose. View the document here.

Medical rehabilitation in 2011 and beyond

This working party report examines the current state of rehabilitation medicine, and considers how it is likely to develop over the coming years. Access the report here.

Musculoskeletal Services Framework (MSF)

The Musculoskeletal Services Framework (2006) demonstrates a new model of service to deliver better care for the estimated 10 million people in the UK with bone and joint conditions. MSF provides new guidance to help improve services for people suffering from conditions such as arthritis,back pain and fractures. View the document here.

National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease

The National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease (NSF CHD), published in March 2000, sets out a strategy to modernise CHD services over ten years. It details 12 standards for improved prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation and goals to secure fair access to high quality services. Read the Framework here.

National Service Framework for Long-term (neurological) Conditions

The National Service Framework (NSF) for Long Term Conditions sets 11 quality requirements to transform the way health and social care services support people with long-term neurological conditions to live as independently as possible. Read the Framework here.

NCSI: A Proposed Model of Vocational Rehabilitation

A review by the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative (NCSI), led by the Department of Health and Macmillan Cancer Support, has identified a number of principles which are central to improving vocational rehabilitation services for people affected by cancer. A four-tiered model of vocational rehabilitation is proposed. Read more here.

New Horizons - A Shared Vision for Mental Health

New Horizons is a cross-government action programme, produced by the Department of Health and including commitments to action by 11 government departments. It sets out a new approach with the twin aims of improving people’s quality of life and well-being, and improving the quality and accessibility of services for people with poor mental health. Read more here.

NHS Future Forum recommendations to Government

The NHS Future Forum has published key recommendations to Government on the future for NHS modernisation. The NHS Future Forum was launched on 6 April 2011 as part of the Government’s listening exercise on the current Health and Social Care Bill. Read the Recommendations here.

NHS Health & Well-being Improvement Framework

This document is designed as a tool for decision makers on Boards, to support them in establishing a culture that promotes staff health and well-being. It sets the framework for improvement work that is needed in many organisations and across the regions. Access the document here.

NICE guidance on Promoting Mental Well-being at Work

The guidance is for those who have a direct or indirect role in, and responsibility for, promoting mental wellbeing at work. This includes all employers and their representatives, irrespective of the size of the business or organisation and whether they are in the public, private, or voluntary sectors. Access the document here.

NICE Guidance on Promoting Physical Activity in the Workplace

This document constitutes the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence’s (NICE) formal guidance on how to encourage employees to be physically active. Access the document here.

NICE quality standards: Dementia, Stroke and VTE prevention

NICE quality standards are a set of specific, concise statements that act as markers of high-quality, cost-effective patient care, covering the treatment and prevention of different diseases and conditions. The three quality standards cover Dementia, Stroke, and VTE prevention. Access the Standards here.

No health without mental health: a cross-Government mental health outcomes strategy for people of all ages

This strategy sets out six shared objectives to improve the mental health and well-being of the nation, and to improve outcomes for people with mental health problems through high quality services. It supports the Government's aim of achieving parity of esteem between physical and mental health. Click here to access the document.

Occupational Health Services: Standards for Accreditation

The Standards, the first in the UK for occupational health services, outline the minimum requirements that will apply to OH services that participate in the UK voluntary accreditation scheme, and provide OH services with a framework for quality assurance. To view the Standards, click here.

Ottawa Panel evidence-based clinical guidelines for therapeutic exercises in the management of rheumatoid arthritis in adults

The purpose of this project was to create guidelines for the use of therapeutic exercises and manual therapy in the management of adult patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The panel recommends the use of therapeutic exercises for rheumatoid arthritis. Read more here.

Paying for the NHS

This report poses questions about the balance of power between the state and the individual in determining the future health of British citizens. It is widely accepted that the NHS will be forced to fundamentally change the way it provides healthcare in the next decade; this report aims to better understand how the balance will shift. Access the report here.

Physiotherapy works (CSP)

Principles, definitions and standards for pulmonary rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an important non-pharmacological therapy that, when correctly applied, can improve physical performance, health status and reduce some health care costs. The purpose of this paper is to define the minimum standards for an effective pulmonary rehabilitation and provide advice about what form of quality control might be appropriate. Read more here.

Realising ambitions: Better employment support for people with a mental health condition

This report on mental health and employment, commissioned  by the Department for Works and Pension, sets out the reviewers’ vision for change to ensure the Government can better help more people with mental health conditions who are workless into sustained employment. Read more here.

Rehabilitation after critical illness: Guidelines

The advice in the NICE guideline covers the care of: adults who, as a result of critical illness, have stayed in critical care and need rehabilitation. To read the Guideline, click here.

Rehabilitation Code

The Code, published by the Rehabilitation Working Party, provides an approved framework for injury claims. Its aim is to promote the use of rehabilitation and early intervention in the compensation process so that the injured person makes the best and quickest recovery. Access the full Code and the two-page summary here.

Right to Control

The UK Government ran a consultation from 11 June to 30 September 2009 on the new right to give individuals with disabilities more control over the funding they receive. To read more about the Government's response to the consultation, click here.

Standards for specialist in-patient and community rehabilitation services

This document sets out the required standards for specialist in-patient and community rehabilitation services. It addresses service provision, referral and assessment, programme planning and co-ordination, patient discharge and follow-up. Also considered is liaison with other healthcare services and agencies. Read the document here.

Stretched to the Limit

There is clear evidence that early access to physiotherapy services is highly cost effective and clinically effective for a wide range of patients including stroke survivors, those with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and patients with long term conditions. Access the document here.

The Sayce Report: Getting in, staying in and getting on

Since May 2010, the UK Government has set out an ambitious programme of employment support to ensure that people disadvantaged in the labour market will get the help they need to find and keep jobs. The Sayce Report reviews the Government’s specialist disability employment programmes.

The Scope of Registration

This publication is aimed at people and organisations that provide or are intending to provide healthcare or adult social care in England. It is designed to help them understand whether they need to register with the Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and adult social care services in England. View the document here.

Transforming community services: ambition, action, achievement

The Transformational Guide focusing on rehabilitation services is  part of a Department of Health programme aimed at improving community services. The Guide helps to support NHS practitioners and clinical leaders in transforming services locally. Read more here.

Transforming rehabilitation services

Rehabilitation services cover a wide range of essential support, from short interventions to longer term support for older people. This guide is a practical tool to enable practitioners to design and deliver effective care which allows people to regain and maintain their health. View this NHS document here.

Transparency in outcomes - a framework for the NHS

The Coalition Government's White Paper, “Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS”, set out how the improvement of healthcare outcomes for all will be the primary purpose of the NHS. This consultation document is about establishing that accountability at a national level in an open and transparent way.  Access the Consultation document here.

Universal Credit: Welfare that Works

This White Paper, published on 11 November 2010, sets out the Coalition Government’s plans to introduce legislation to reform the welfare system by creating a new Universal Credit. Universal Credit will radically simplify the system to make work pay and combat worklessness and poverty. Click here to read more.

Vocational Rehabilitation: what is it, who can deliver it and who pays?

In 2008 the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health and the College of Occupational Therapists joined forces to host expert roundtable discussions which addressed the thorny, practical issues about vocational rehabilitation - what is it, who can deliver it, who pays? This paper is the result, and can be accessed here.

White Paper: Building the National Care Service

The White Paper sets out the Government's proposals to build a comprehensive National Care Service for all adults in England with an eligible care need, free when they need it. View the Paper here.

Work Capability Assessment (WCA) Review

An independent review of the Work Capability Assessment by Professor Malcolm Harrington makes recommendations for changes to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to make it fairer and more effective.  The WCA Review and the Government's response can be viewed here.

Work Matters: An Online Learning Resource

This e-learning package developed in collaboration with health professionals from across the sector provides an essential guide for all those wishing to learn more about work, vocational rehabilitation, the key drivers and how it relates to practice. Access the E-Resource here.

Work, Recovery and Inclusion

A report entitled "Work, Recovery and Inclusion" released by the Cabinet Office on 7 December 2009 outlines that people with the most severe mental health conditions are able to not only work, but that working benefits their mental health positively and can support their recovery. Click here to read more.

Working for a Healthier Tomorrow

In Dame Carol Black's Review into the health of Britain's working age population, there is a call for urgent and comprehensive reform and a new approach to health and work in the UK. To read the Review, click here. 

View the Government's response to the Review here.

Working for Health: occupational therapy and how it can benefit your organisation

This document describes how occupational therapy can benefit and help organisations, their employees and/or clients. It also summarises the importance of occupational therapy in vocational rehabilitation. View the document here.

Working our Way to Better Mental Health: a framework for action

This Framework, the first ever national mental health and employment strategy in the UK, is designed to improve well-being at work for everyone, and to deliver significantly better employment results for people with mental health conditions. Access the Framework here.