NHS Calderdale CCG will commission an improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT) service, from suitably qualified and experienced healthcare service providers including third sector organisations, social enterprise and other providers for the population of Calderdale under an any qualified provider (AQP) contract.

The IAPT service will be required to provide:

— identification, assessment and treatment of adults (aged 18+) with common mental health disorders, in accordance with appropriate NICE guidance, with the aim of improving wellbeing and quality of life;

— identification, assessment and treatment of adults (aged 18+) with long term conditions or medically unexplained symptoms to help them deal with the psychological impacts of their condition(s).

The commissioners will encourage innovation and use of technology within service delivery. They are seeking patient centred solutions for the provision of this service with the following aims:

— early intervention and promotion of self-directed support and recovery;

— provision of the least intrusive, most effective intervention first;

— development of the use of technology and digital platforms to engage patients who prefer this approach;

— active engagement and participation with long term conditions services and pathways to increase the number of long term conditions patients in to IAPT;

— specific focus on increasing the number of older people and Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people receiving treatment.

In order to achieve the above aims and objectives providers should pay attention to following facets:

— quality of provision,

— equality of access,

— integration and coordination amongst various services to be provided under IAPT AQP,

— sustainability,

— continuous improvement,

— value,

— patient experience and positive outcomes.