Neurological Care and Support in Scotland: A Framework for Action 2020-2025 - Final Report

Executive summary

Neurological care and support in Scotland: A framework for action 2020-2025 had the vision to Ensure everyone with a neurological condition can access the care and support they need to live well, on their own terms.

£4.5 million of funding was allocated over 5 years. £2.6 million directly funded 43 projects (52 awards in total), £822,000 funded centrally co-ordinated initiatives and future spend, with the remaining £1,044,327 of funding reallocated within Scottish Government.

Key Achievements by Framework Aims

Aim A: Person-Centred Care

• Funded projects supported shared decision-making, mental wellbeing, and digital tools for conditions like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy, and brain injury.
• Developed direct referral systems between statutory and third sector services.
• Created carer resources, including guides and training programmes.

Aim B: Co-ordinated Health and Social Care

• Developed care pathways and commissioning guidelines (e.g. epilepsy, MS).
• Promoted forward care planning with over 80% uptake in target populations.
• Supported digital innovations like the Scottish Epilepsy Register.

Aim C: High Standards of Care

• Introduced a self-evaluation tool for NHS boards based on 2019 General Standards.
• 12/14 NHS boards submitted evaluations and committed to improvement plans.
• Improved recording and monitoring of neurological conditions, especially epilepsy.

Aim D: Equitable Access

• Developed national and local care pathways (e.g. headache, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), migraine).
• Piloted community-based models to reduce hospital admissions.
• Supported GP education and referral triage systems.

Aim E: Sustainable Workforce

• Established parameters for gathering more accurate workforce and prevalence data.
• Developed a nursing competency framework and piloted new roles (e.g. care coordinators).
• Supported training and career pathways for nursing, pharmacists, and training for volunteers.

Impact and Evaluation

• 51% of projects showed measurable improvement in patient/carer outcomes.
• 63% reported anecdotal improvements.
• 56% developed strategic frameworks with potential for wider adoption.
• 88% of projects intend to continue and expand reach.

Notable Innovations

• Scottish Epilepsy Register: Improved safety, timely interventions, and data-driven care.
• Digital Tools: Apps, self-management platforms, and clinician education resources.
• Forward Care Planning: Embedded in clinical practice for life-shortening conditions.

Forward Outlook

• Integration with the Long Term Conditions Framework.
• Expansion of digital health strategies and data collection.
• Ongoing support for the Neurological Conditions Improvement Network, care pathways, and workforce planning and the Scottish Epilepsy Register.