ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE AFFILIATION
Patient Groups
INTRODUCTION TO THE A-A AFFILIATION SCHEME:
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With the increasing numbers of cardiac devices being implanted throughout the UK, there are an increasing number of support groups being established. These are currently a mixture of some patient led only, some nurse/physiologist led and some patient and professional led groups. One of the issues that has become apparent is the need for standardisation in the information that is provided to arrhythmia patients and partners/carers and also the need to run the group with professional input. Due to these concerns, the following guidelines have been produced to ensure that support groups reach a national standard with regard to the information and patient support that they provide.
Affiliation will have a number of benefits for individual groups. Most importantly, the link to such an organisation will enhance a group’s credibility. It also means that the group has access to advice, support and information that is accredited and endorsed by the Department of Health and independent medical professionals who sit on the Arrhythmia Alliance Executive Committee. Participation in such a scheme will ensure that groups countrywide perform to a nationally recognised standard.
Despite affiliation, groups will remain independent yet will profit from the partnership that is created. Affiliation is free and there are only a few guidelines that groups must comply with.
ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE OFFERS AFFILIATED GROUPS:
- Accredited information booklets, fully endorsed by the Department of Health
- Helpline support and advice
- Free hosting and design of group website
- Advertisement of group events & meetings on A-A website and in e-bulletins
- Free patient & carer membership
- Signposting of patients to groups
- Funding advice
- Group management guidance & support
- Volunteer recruitment & training
- Help in setting up new groups so that they may be affiliated to the nationally required standards
- Links and contacts with other groups
- Support at group meetings whenever possible
OPTIONAL:
- Accreditation of local groups’ information leaflets by the Arrhythmia Alliance Executive Committee
REQUIREMENTS FOR PATIENT GROUP AFFILIATION:
Groups Must:
- Fully comply with the Aims & Objectives of Arrhythmia Alliance as approved by the Charities Commission
- Have a governing document, whether this is a constitution or outlining its aims & objectives.
- Ensure that the group is set up in partnership with patients, carers, healthcare professionals & Arrhythmia Alliance
To ensure that a national standard is reached, it is suggested that groups use the DoH accredited Arrhythmia Alliance information booklets.
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