An Independent Review of CECOPS UK-wide Code of Practice for Disability Equipment, Wheelchair and Seating Services (2015)

An Independent Review of CECOPS UK-wide Code of Practice for Disability Equipment, Wheelchair and Seating Services (2015)

A Quality Framework for Procurement and Provision of Services

Karen Pearce, MBA, MCSP, GradDipPhys, Director of Care, Motor Neurone Disease Association (UK)

The CECOPS Code of Practice for Disability Equipment, Wheelchair and Seating Services has been published during a period of significant change within health and social care systems in the UK. There is significant pressure on budgets as well as those providing services (whether statutory bodies, private or third sector providers), with increasing demand for disability equipment to support the best quality of life possible.

The need to ensure efficient and effective services that are built around those people with significant need and those who care for them has not been more important. Amongst all this change, there is also a focus on improving services, particularly wheelchair provision and specialist services such as communication aids and environmental controls. The inclusion of these areas and the importance of service integration in the Code is a welcome addition.

Whilst CECOPS Code is not the only quality standard available to assess the quality of services, it is however a standard written to address equipment provision specifically rather than a more generic quality management framework. It cleverly encompasses the commissioning, service provision and clinical and professional responsibilities relating to services, allowing a ‘whole-systems’ perspective to be taken.

The Code is presented in a clear and well structured format and sectioned for ease of access for those who are commissioning/procuring services, those who are providing services, those clinicians delivering services and a section on peripheral issues and specialist areas. There are useful appendices relating to current legislation and policy documents as well as guidance on areas such as medical device management and decontamination. This ensures quality provision and minimal risk for service users as well as employees.

The Code has a welcomed outcome focus to it. The outcomes for each of the 47 Code Standards are clear, with useful and balanced commentary as an introduction.

The Code is written with service users, their families and carers clearly at the centre of provision and highlights the importance and advantage of integrating services. It highlights the complexity around reporting and funding streams when an integrated approach is taken, and considers the advantages too.

The Code is a robust, clear and simple to use framework and tool that will assure those using services and those funding them that a quality standard is being delivered. It also gives service providers and clinicians a system to support audits and best practice.

There is an expectation that all services are delivering defined quality standards, and CECOPS Code offers a framework to enable this, with the added advantage of providing independent accreditation.

The Code of Practice has been researched thoroughly and developed to address the current challenges of providing a good service, with the tools to show how this is being achieved, and the ability to improve where gaps are indentified. It is an important addition to the quality frameworks currently available and the focus on seamless pathways is commendable.

Copies of the Code of Practice can be obtained from HERE

Please note copies of the Code are free to organisations registered with CECOPS

Title: Code of Practice for Disability Equipment, Wheelchair  and Seating Services – A Quality Framework for Procurement and Provision of Services

Published: 28/04/2015
ISBN: 9781784623029
eISBN: 9781784629649
Format: Paperback/eBook