Having been tasked with developing Standards for integrated care pathways for mental health (ICP), successfully publishing in 2007, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) now supports NHS Boards in developing and implementing these standards. Support is available via three National ICP Coordinators and local ICP facilitators.

The main objective is for Boards to achieve ICP accreditation, resulting in demonstration of a robust and responsive mental health system through implementation of their local ICPs supporting continuous cycles of quality improvement embedded in a culture that ensures delivery of person-centred care and reflective practice.

A model of and process for accreditation was developed considering: § Developing the project plan§ Reaching consensus on the goal of the accreditation initiative.§ Defining incentives for stakeholders in having ICPs accredited § Reviewing literature on existing accreditation systems in UK and internationally § Developing a range of options§ Carrying out an option appraisal§ Agreeing one preferred option § Obtaining NHS QIS and Scottish Government approval for preferred option§ Further development of support mechanisms and implementation of a longer term accreditation framework

A phased and incremental accreditation system was developed.

The first phase - “foundation level” - focuses on ensuring that appropriate infrastructures are in place to support full ICP development and implementation in NHS Board.

All 14 NHS Boards in Scotland achieved foundation level accreditation.

Reflection on this first phase are helping to inform NHS QIS on how best to structure future levels of accreditation and ongoing support over the next few years.