Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT)
ACTION: EMAIL PASA - see para. 3.2
Gateway ref: 7277
1. The purpose of this webpage is to:- Confirm PCT responsibilities in delivering the NICE Technology Appraisal on cCBT
- Outline the national procurement process, including the process for delivering a commissioning framework
- Set out the funding and contracting arrangements
- Update you on the Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) programme.
2. cCBT NICE Technology Appraisal: for implementation by 31 March 2007
2.1 In its technological appraisal of February 2006 (TA097), The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) made the following recommendations about the use of cCBT for the treatment of depression and anxiety:
- Beating the Blues for people with mild and moderate depression
- FearFighter for people with panic and phobia
2.2 For the delivery of these applications, the Department of Health (DH) has amended the usual requirement for the NHS to fund treatments for NICE technology appraised treatments from 3 to 12 months. Thus, PCTs are expected to be able to offer these cCBT packages by 31 March 2007. This will require PCTs to:
- Undertake a local needs assessment
- Purchase software licences
- Ensure the availability of hardware for the delivery of packages
- Ensure that appropriately trained staff are available to supervise delivery
- Develop referral protocols
2.3 NICE technology appraisals are binding on the NHS and delivery of this appraisal should be undertaken whilst continuing to achieve financial balance.
3. National Framework Agreement (Tariff)
3.1 The Department is in discussion with the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) to establish a National Framework Agreement covering the two current software packages to enable PCTs/NHS providers to purchase according to a nationally agreed pricing structure.
3.2 We are aware that PCTs have or are about to enter contracts with provider companies. In order to manage this situation by providing best value solutions for yourselves and future purchasing within the scope of the National Framework Agreement it is important that you contact PASA. PASA will provide you with further guidance on the national framework agreement once further discussions have taken place with the software providers.
3.3 We are aware that some PCTs have already entered into contracts with the provider companies. A key aim of the national framework agreement will be to ensure an equitable national tariff. These PCTs are also encouraged to contact PASA.
4. Funding and contracting
4.1 The DH is unable to provide any funding in addition to existing allocations to support the roll-out of these products. However, in delivering the guidance, the cost of the applications may be capitalised. We would therefore advise PCTs to explore any local flexibility to fund this from their capital budgets.
5. cCBT Commissioning Guidelines
5.1 Comprehensive PCT commissioning guidelines will be circulated by Christmas 2006. The guidelines will provide:
- Progress on the national tariff
- Advice on the hardware, location and product licenses
- Positive practice examples to support effective cCBT staffing support and integration with appropriate stepped care psychological therapy service models.
6. Timetable
- Christmas 2006 - cCBT Commissioning guidelines distributed to PCTs
- 31 March 2007 - PCTs have cCBT products in place and the NICE Guidelines are met.
7. Next steps: Delivering Improved Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)
7.1 The Government remains committed to improving access to psychological therapies, and we are considering the scope for further developments. This will be considered as part of future service and financial planning by the Department and PCTs
7.3 For the remainder of 2006/07, I would be grateful of your support in working in partnership with your Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) Regional Development Centre to review your local position in the delivery of evidence-based psychological services.
7.4 If you have any further queries about the content of this letter, please do not hesitate to contact your local CSIP Regional Director or James Seward, the national IAPT Programme Director.
Professor Louis Appleby CBE
National Director for Mental Health
