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NHS CHC Primary Health Need — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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HardLegal & Ethical FrameworkNHS CHC Primary Health NeedSCE Palliative Medicine

A rapidly deteriorating patient has high symptom burden, unpredictable crises and complex skilled interventions but does not require continuous registered nursing. How should NHS CHC eligibility be approached?

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Correct answer: C — Nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability assessed through the Tool

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as E

C is correct. A primary health need is judged from the totality of needs, particularly their nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability, using the multidisciplinary process and Decision Support Tool. There is no absolute requirement for 24-hour registered nursing, no automatic age or setting exclusion, and diagnosis alone does not confer eligibility. A adds a false threshold. B and D substitute single facts for assessment. E makes location determinative. A rapidly deteriorating person may also be considered for the Fast Track Pathway Tool, which is distinct from simply awarding CHC because a terminal diagnosis exists.

Reference: GOV.UK: NHS continuing healthcare decision support tool: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-continuing-healthcare-decision-support-tool/nhs-continuing-healthcare-decision-support-tool-guidance