It provides a summary of the information on the current evidence base for various therapeutic approaches, guidance on well functioning psychological therapies services, and advice on important governance issues.
The Matrix is published by NES, in partnership with the Scottish Government. It provides a summary of the information on the current evidence base for various therapeutic approaches, guidance on well functioning psychological therapies services and advice on important governance issues.
A process of reviewing the Matrix document is currently underway which is taking into account developments in the evidence for psychological interventions and therapies as well as reflecting changes in national priorities, working practices and society. Two important elements of the review are:
It is anticipated that the updated version of the Matrix, on a new digital platform will be launched in 2023. There is currently a rolling process of reviewing all the content. If you require further information, please contact psychology@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Part 1: Delivering evidence-based psychological therapies [PDF]
This section of the Matrix describes the context within which Psychological Therapy is delivered in Scotland, and the structural and governance requirements for any well-functioning Psychological Therapies Service. It is essential reading for the effective delivery of the interventions recommended in Section 2.
It includes chapters on
Part 2: The evidence tables and how to use them [PDF]
Evidence tables:
The Psychological Therapies 'Matrix' project grew out of requests from NHS Boards for advice on commissioning Psychological Therapies in local areas to enable them to plan and provide the most effective available psychological treatments for their particular patient population. The Psychological Therapies 'Matrix' is a guide to planning and delivering evidence-based Psychological Therapies within NHS Boards in Scotland. It provides a summary of the information on the current evidence base for various therapeutic approaches, guidance on well functioning psychological therapies services, and advice on important governance issues.
The Psychological Therapies 'Matrix' has been produced to help NHS Boards:
by
As such, it aligns with the ambitions of the NHSScotland Healthcare Quality Strategy, by promoting the delivery of efficient and effective treatments, and by seeking to minimise wasteful and harmful variations in practice through the clarification of training standards and supervision requirements. In addition, it offers guidance on service structures and governance arrangements necessary to ensure patient safety.
The move towards delivery of psychological therapies and interventions using technology was underway prior to 2020 but the speed of change has been unprecedented to meet the needs of the population during the COVID pandemic.
A review of the evidence for the use of technology-enabled psychological therapies and interventions has been completed as part of the planned Matrix update which is underway. Given its relevance, it has been published as a standalone document [PDF]. There is also a range of resources to support the safe and effective delivery of evidence-based psychological therapies and interventions in services in Scotland which are available on TURAS Learn.
Last updated: 12/02/2021