How our service is evidence based and how we work with private therapy

The Children and Young People's (CYP) therapy team is committed to providing high-quality, child and family-centred evidence-based practice. We deliver an effective service that is consistent with national and local policy, clinical guidelines and NHS standards. Therapists draw on a range of resources to support clinical decision-making when selecting appropriate interventions to meet individual CYP's needs. This includes including the best available, current, valid and relevant evidence base, as well as clinical expertise.

The type of therapy and frequency of intervention is determined by:

• Assessment of CYP's strengths and needs.
• Use of outcome measures and classification systems.
• The child and family's needs and achievable functional goals.
• Collaboration with other professionals (health and education) involved with the child / young person.

If parents/carers would like additional or alternative therapies to the CYP Therapies service offer, please see the information below on how we can work together with private therapy. 

For specific information about certain interventions, please see our position statements and pathway information below which also outlines the evidence and rationale.

—  ASD position statement 

— Position statement - SI Therapeutic listening SOS

—  CYP Therapies Cerebral Palsy Pathway Information

 

Children & Young People's Integrated Therapy Service

Information for parents/carers seeking additional/alternative forms of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy

In line with best practice, trust therapists always try to liaise and collaborate with other therapists, both within and outside the trust, to make sure your child gets the most benefit from their intervention. There may be situations where a child or carer is interested in additional or a different type of therapy to that provided by the trust. If you are considering either of these, then please read the following information.

Before reaching a decision about additional therapy (including private therapy) or another type of therapy:

• Please inform your NHS therapist so that he or she can discuss your child's needs and therapy plan with you so that you have a clear understanding of the intervention options.
• Where appropriate, your NHS therapist will then discuss your child's needs and the management plan with the other therapist and your child's referrer (i.e. the doctor who originally arranged for your child to receive therapy from the trust) and/or GP.

The following options are available:

• If both therapists agree on a joint intervention plan and approach and keep in regular contact, they can continue to work together.
• If the two therapists do not have a similar intervention plan or approach or do not keep in regular contact, then the NHS therapist will discuss this with you and your child so that you may choose the method of treatment you prefer.
• If the two therapies are not compatible and you would prefer the intervention plan from outside the Trust, then your NHS therapist may not be able to carry on supporting your child. They will let your child's referrer and/or GP know of your choice.

It is extremely important that the private therapist liaises directly with the referrer and/or GP and we would advise you to check their willingness to do this when making your decision.

 

Appliances & Equipment:

Your child may need appliances, such as splints and postural equipment, as part of their care. These are usually organised for you by the NHS therapist based on their clinical opinion. If you choose additional or an alternative type of intervention from outside the Trust, then any splints, special footwear or other appliances needed must be arranged by the private therapist. We would advise you to check that the private is willing to arrange to do this when you are deciding on your preferred option.

 

Returning to the Trust:

If you change your mind, you can be re-referred to the NHS and will be added to the waiting list in line with the service referral criteria and identified and clinical need.

Your NHS therapists will be happy to discuss this information. This approach to additional and/or alternative therapy is supported by the therapists' professional bodies and the Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust.