Long term conditions framework: consultation analysis

21. Question 19

Is there anything else you would like to raise that was not covered elsewhere in the consultation paper?

Over half (55%) of respondents answered Question 19, and the main themes that emerged from responses were:

• theme 1: recurring themes from earlier questions
• theme 2: concerns with the consultation process

Theme 1: Recurring themes

Many respondents in their response to Question 19 reiterated points they raised at earlier questions. These included:

• calls for greater clarity on implementation, particularly around how condition-specific work would be selected, workforce and resource implications, and governance and accountability structures
• a Long Term Conditions Framework could help to facilitate whole-system, person-centred, holistic, and integrated models of care approaches
• a unified framework could risk losing momentum, focus and progress on condition-specific work – or be perceived as a cost-cutting exercise
• the importance of recognising third sector and community based support as an equal partner
• the importance of prevention and early intervention approaches

Theme 2: Concerns with consultation process

A small number of individuals and third sector organisations raised some concerns with the consultation process. These included:

• the consultation document was considered to be ‘inaccessible’ with reference to its length, complexity, and denseness, particularly for some individuals with fatigue or brain fog
• a perception that the decision to implement the Long Term Conditions framework has already been made by the Scottish Government and/or that some organisations and groups may not have been adequately consulted – this was raised by a small number of third sector organisations
• a lack of confidence in meaningful impact or action as outcomes of the consultation process – a small number of individuals cited their experience from undertaking previous consultation exercises
• limited or a lack of reference to certain conditions, target groups, or approaches in the consultation paper - for example, human-rights based approach, children and young people, and long COVID were mentioned