Matrix - A guide to delivering evidence-based psychological therapies in Scotland

Matrix Review

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:

1. Using Implementation Science methodologies to consider the efficacy literature in the context of wider factors such as treatment acceptability, cost-effectiveness and resource/training implications.
2. reflecting the perspectives of people who use services.

It is anticipated that the updates to Part 1 will be published later in 2021.  The evidence reviews will be updated as part of a rolling process commencing in April 2021.  Updates will be posted on this site.

Part 1: Delivering evidence-based psychological therapies

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

• the fundamentals of delivering evidence-based Psychological Therapies
• efficient service structures and processes
• training, supervision and governance
• support for change
• key developmental questions for services

Part 2: The evidence tables and how to use them

Part 2: The evidence tables and how to use them [PDF]

Evidence tables:

• Adult mental health [PDF]
• Children and young people [PDF]
• Older people [PDF]
• People with learning disabilities [PDF]
• Forensic services [PDF]
• Neurological disorders [PDF]
• Persistent physical symptoms [PDF]

Background

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:

• Deliver the range, volume and quality of Psychological Therapy required to achieve the HEAT Psychological Therapies Access Target.
• Provide evidence-based psychological interventions in other key government priority areas;

by

• Summarising the most up-to-date advice on evidence-based interventions;
• Providing information and advice on strategic planning issues in the delivery of efficient and effective Psychological Therapies services;
• Explaining the levels of training and supervision necessary for staff to deliver Psychological Therapies safely and effectively; and
• Describing the additional support available from the Government in terms of related Mental Health initiatives - the Mental Health Quality and Efficiency Support Team (MH QuEST); the Information Services Division (ISD); and NHS Education for Scotland (NES)

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.

Supporting Technology Enabled Psychological Therapies and Interventions

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.