Any Qualified Provider (AQP)
[1] aims to take into account patients values and needs and increase patient choice along with the number of service providers in a range of community and mental health services.
As a result in future patients might be able to get services, paid for by the NHS, from a chemist, optician, optometrist, podiatrist, physiotherapist or psychologist.
The Department of Health has recommended eight possible services (see below) where patient choice could be introduced.
The primary care trust clusters using the priorities of pathfinder clinical commissioning groups, local professionals and patients, will be able to pick three. Choice of provider in the three chosen services will be introduced across Lancashire from April 2012.
The list from the Department of Health of potential services for priority implementation as follows
- Musculo-skeletal services for back and neck pain
- Adult hearing services in the community
- Continence services (adults and children)
- Diagnostic tests closer to home such as some types of imaging, cardic and respiratory investigations to support primary assessment of presenting symptoms
- Wheelchair services (for Children)
- Podiatry services
- Venous leg ulcer and wound healing
- Primary Care Psychological Therapies (adults)
After the three have been chosen the Strategic Health Authority will be informed.
Following the implementation next year, after patients have seen their GP they will be advised of the additional choices of provider they will be able to use.
[1]Operating guidance to the NHS: Extending Patient Choice of Provider 19 July 2011 Department of Health
