Benchmarking psychology provision in major trauma centres (MTCs) across England and Wales against ACP-UK standards and NICE guidelines for psychological rehabilitation following major trauma.

Ashton, A.; Johnson, L.; Gilliland, A.

Benchmarking psychology provision in major trauma centres (MTCs) across England and Wales against ACP-UK standards and NICE guidelines for psychological rehabilitation following major trauma.

All Authors

Ashton, A.

Johnson, L.

Gilliland, A.

LTHT Author

Johnson, Louise
Gilliland, Ami

LTHT Department

Adult Therapies
Clinical & Health Psychology

Non Medic

Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist

Publication Date

2025

Item Type

Journal Article

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Whilst the availability of clinical psychology is one of the key requirements for Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) outlined by NHS England, a previous study identified significant gaps in psychology provision across MTCs [1,2]. The present study aimed to understand whether MTC psychology services in England and Wales are fulfilling the section of the NHS standard contract for MTCs relating to psychology provision. It also sought to benchmark services against the relevant guidelines and standards published by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Association of Clinical Psychologists UK (ACP-UK). METHODS: All MTCs in England and Wales were contacted. Four told us that they have no specialist MTC psychology service. The remaining centres completed a questionnaire about their psychology service and rated whether it met, partially met, or did not meet the NHS standard contract and each of the NICE guidelines and ACP-UK standards. 25 MTC psychology services completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: Variation was found across MTCs in the dedicated whole time equivalent (WTE) of psychology staffing, the banding of the most senior psychologist in each service, and the total percentage of MTC patients that are seen by psychology. Over half of services did not meet or only partially met the NHS standard contract. Many of the ACP-UK standards were either not met or only partially met by a majority of services. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that significant variation in resource exists across MTC psychology services in England and Wales, leading to differences in the ability of services to meet standards and guidelines. Further work is indicated to address this variation and develop a minimum workforce model for MTC psychology services, to ensure equity of access to psychological support in MTCs across England and Wales.