The Fast Track Tool is used to gain immediate access to funding for individuals who need urgent care packages due to rapidly deteriorating health conditions that may be terminal. It can be completed by nurses or doctors familiar with the patient's needs. The tool must be used when urgent continuing healthcare is required and replaces the regular assessment process. Patient consent is required unless they lack capacity, in which case clinicians make a best interests decision. Evidence of a completed Fast Track Tool is sufficient for eligibility and PCTs must accept and immediately action properly completed tools.

1. Support sheet 14
Using the NHS Continuing Health Care
Fast Track Pathway Tool
The Fast Track Tool is a component of the NHS Continuing Health Care Framework
(2009). It is used to gain immediate access to funding when an individual needs an
urgent package of care, on the basis of a rapidly deteriorating condition that may be
entering a terminal phase.
Who can complete it?
The tool is usually completed by an ‘appropriate clinician’ such as a nurse or a
doctor. The practitioner must be knowledgeable about the individuals health needs
and be able to provide reasons for the fast tracking decision.
Is the use of the tool compulsory?
The Fast Track Tool must be used when an individual requires an urgent package of
continuing health care. This replaces the need for a Decision Support Tool.
Do individuals need to consent to the Fast track Tool completion?
The individual needs to give informed consent to the completion of the tool. Where
an individual is unable to provide consent, the appropriate clinician should make a
best interests decision. This best interests’ decision should be carried out without
delay to enable individuals to be in their preferred place of care as soon as possible.
Is the Fast Track Tool dependent of timescales relating to end of life care?
There are no time limits specified and a decision to use the tool should not be based
solely around an individual’s life expectancy.
What evidence is required when completing the Fast Track Tool?
The provision of a completed Fast Track Tool instead of a Decision Support Tool is
sufficient evidence to establish eligibility.
Can a PCT refuse to accept a completed Fast Track Tool?
The Responsibilities Directions make it clear that a PCT must accept and action a
Fast Track Tool immediately where the tool has been properly completed.
On receipt of the Fast Track Tool documentation the PCT should arrange for the
care package to be commissioned without delay.
Further information:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/Deliveringadultsocialcare/Continuingcare/DH_0
73912