We structure our work programme around the concept of themes. Working this way helps keep our priorities focused on those of NHSScotland.
Working Themes
Cancer
Clinical Governance and patient safety
Heart disease and stroke
Long-term conditions
Mental Health
Primary care
Maternal and child health
Other projects
Publications and advice
We produce a range of products containing advice on the themes identified above. Our
Definitions and Status document gives further guidance to NHSScotland on the purpose of our publications and how to use the advice.
Definitions and Status document gives further guidance to NHSScotland on the purpose of our publications and how to use the advice. NHS QIS Standards
Standards are statements of performance patients should expect from NHSScotland and are applicable to all parts of NHSScotland. ‘Essential’ standards are expected to be met wherever the service is provided, and “desirable” standards are recommended for NHSScotland.
Standards are statements of performance patients should expect from NHSScotland and are applicable to all parts of NHSScotland. ‘Essential’ standards are expected to be met wherever the service is provided, and “desirable” standards are recommended for NHSScotland.
Intended for health professionals, NHS management and the public
SIGN Clinical Guidelines
Recommendations for effective practice to be taken into account when services are developed for the management of clinical conditions where variations in practice are known to occur and where effective care may not be delivered uniformly throughout Scotland. When elements of SIGN guidelines are incorporated into NHS QIS “essential” standards, they are obligatory.
Recommendations for effective practice to be taken into account when services are developed for the management of clinical conditions where variations in practice are known to occur and where effective care may not be delivered uniformly throughout Scotland. When elements of SIGN guidelines are incorporated into NHS QIS “essential” standards, they are obligatory.
Intended for health professionals, NHS management and the public
Health Technology Assessments (HTAs)
HTAs report the clinical effectiveness, economic implications, organisational impact and patients’ issues with regards to health technologies/medicines. HTAs are recommended for NHSScotland which should take account of the advice from NHS QIS and ensure that recommended treatments are made available.
HTAs report the clinical effectiveness, economic implications, organisational impact and patients’ issues with regards to health technologies/medicines. HTAs are recommended for NHSScotland which should take account of the advice from NHS QIS and ensure that recommended treatments are made available.
Intended for policy makers, NHS management and health professionals
Best Practice Statements (BPS)
Focusing specifically on nursing, midwifery & allied health professions. BPSs describe best and achievable practice in specific areas of care emphasising delivering care that is patient centered, feasible and fair, and attempt to reduce existing variations in practice. Best Practice Statements are endorsed by the
Chief Nursing Officer and are recommended good practice for NHSScotland.
Focusing specifically on nursing, midwifery & allied health professions. BPSs describe best and achievable practice in specific areas of care emphasising delivering care that is patient centered, feasible and fair, and attempt to reduce existing variations in practice. Best Practice Statements are endorsed by the
Chief Nursing Officer and are recommended good practice for NHSScotland.
Intended for health professionals (particularly nurses, midwives & allied health professionals)
Evidence Notes
Evidence notes do not make recommendations; they are short summaries which highlight key issues for decision makers within NHSScotland and direct them to robust sources of evidence (or lack of evidence) on a particular topic or clinical area. Evidence Notes take approximately 3 months to produce from approval of the topic.
Evidence notes do not make recommendations; they are short summaries which highlight key issues for decision makers within NHSScotland and direct them to robust sources of evidence (or lack of evidence) on a particular topic or clinical area. Evidence Notes take approximately 3 months to produce from approval of the topic.