NEW: Code of Practice for Planning & Commissioning Technology Enabled Care Services (TECS) coming soon.

 A new and unique Code of Practice for Planning and Commissioning TECS, an official CECOPS guide, is set to be published in the coming weeks.

The main reason for the guide is that, to date, other Codes of Practice for TECS have focussed exclusively on the service provision and supplier end of the market.

This new Code will help all those with responsibility for planning and commissioning TECS to overcome the many and longstanding barriers to adopting TECS more widely, and ensure projects and initiatives are delivered efficiently and effectively, with the ability to measure their success.

The Code acts as a risk, quality and performance framework. It takes organisations through sequential steps, allowing a readiness assessment check at every stage and promoting continuous improvements.

The Code can be used for all digital health and care technologies, in the health, housing and care sectors. Technologies covered by the Code include for example telehealth, telecare, telemedicine, telecoaching and self-care apps. It also has wider application for use when introducing any assistive technology or medical device related service.

The Code covers services as single entities e.g. a telecare control centre, or grouped together as digital health and care, or integrated with a wide range of assistive technology services.

This Code is supported by a self-evaluation and continuous improvement software tool, iCOPS® – see here for details: www.icops.co.uk

Whilst the Code is mainly aimed at the UK, the principles apply internationally.

It is anticipated that the Code will eventually fit in with the CECOPS registration and accreditation scheme, although it will also be available as a standalone guide.

The Code is made up of 16 Code Standards. These are supported by relevant outcomes and sub-clauses.

The 16 Code Standards are:

CODE STANDARD 1: Strategic planning and preliminary considerations

CODE STANDARD 2: Involvement of stakeholders, users and carers

CODE STANDARD 3: Partnerships, joint working and integration

CODE STANDARD 4: Governance and risk management

CODE STANDARD 5: Business case development

CODE STANDARD 6: Investment and funding

CODE STANDARD 7: Procurement

CODE STANDARD 8: Service requirements and specifications

CODE STANDARD 9: Contractual arrangements

CODE STANDARD 10: Eligibility criteria and self-funding

CODE STANDARD 11: Legal & regulatory obligations and standards

CODE STANDARD 12: Information technology and information management

CODE STANDARD 13: Marketing and promotion

CODE STANDARD 14: Implementation

CODE STANDARD 15: Performance management and continuous improvement

CODE STANDARD 16: Measuring and evaluating service impact

 

If you are interested in this new Code, please contact us and we will let you know when it is available.

 

T: 01494 863398

E: info@cecops.org.uk