Technology enabled care services (TECS) see first International Code and support tools

The first ever Code of Practice and support tools covering all aspects of planning, commissioning and providing technology enabled care services (e.g. telehealth, telecare, eHealth, digital health) have been developed by CECOPS, the independent standards body in the UK for assistive technology services.

Uniquely, this new Code, which sets out standards covering every aspect of services, offers an end-to-end and whole-system approach, ranging from the early planning stages through to post-implementation of services. It can be looked at as a value-chain solution that interlinks those responsible for planning and commissioning services with service users, through the activities of clinicians and providers.

 

 

‘…this is more than a Code of Practice; it is a map, a guide and a chaperone. It is thought provoking and a source of inspiration.’

Roy Lilley, leading expert and analyst in healthcare

 

The Code is complemented by a unique and powerful self-evaluation and continuous improvement tool iCOPS®, which helps organisations to self-evaluate services, assess readiness before engaging with TECS and drive their own quality and performance agenda.

 It is anticipated the Code and support tools will encourage wider adoption of TECS and set the benchmark and framework for all organisations in the sector to work to.

 Following the Code enables the longstanding barriers to adopting TECS more widely to be overcome, ensuring projects and initiatives are delivered with the best possible outcomes, with the ability to measure their success and embed sustainability.

 These latest developments offer a quality framework for the procurement and provision of services, with the ability to assess, influence and improve outcomes, as well as streamlining the whole contract management process.

 The introduction of this Code means that CECOPS can now extend its accreditation scheme across all assistive technology related services (e.g. telecare, telehealth, wheelchairs, electronic assistive technology, disability equipment), nationally (UK) and internationally.

 

The new Code and iCOPS® tool incorporate the following subject areas:

PART ONE: PLANNING AND COMMISSIONING

1. Strategic Planning and Preliminary Considerations
2. Involvement of Stakeholders, Users and Carers
3. Partnerships, Joint Working and Integration
4. Governance, Ethics and Risk Management
5. Business Case Development
6. Investment and Funding
7. Procurement
8. Service Requirements and Specifications
9. Contractual Arrangements
10. Eligibility Criteria and Self-funding
11. Legal & Regulatory Obligations and Standards
12. Information Technology and Information Management
13. Marketing and Promotion
14. Implementation
15. Performance Management and Continuous Improvement
16. Measuring and Evaluating Service Impact

 

PART TWO: SERVICE PROVISION

1. Governance, Risk and Ethics
2. Legal & Regulatory Obligations and Compliance with Standards
3. Managing Referrals and Assessments
4. Procuring Technologies, Equipment and Services
5. Implementation of New Technologies and Services
6. Trialling, Assembling, Installing and Demonstrating Technologies and Equipment
7. Involving Patients/Service Users and Carers in Decision Making
8. Management of Medical Devices/Technologies
9. Management of Assets and Inventory
10. Monitoring and Alerts
11. Quality Management Systems
12. Health and Safety Management
13. Staff Competence
14. Information Technology, Management and Governance
15. Collaborative Working
16. Third Party Contractors
17. Marketing and Promotion
18. Contract and Performance Management, and Continuous Improvement
19. Measuring and Demonstrating Service Impact

 

The new Code is currently available to organisations working with the CECOPS scheme.

A published hard copy and eBook version of the Code will be available to purchase in the coming weeks.

The iCOPS® tool is available for purchase now. A FREE 30 day trial is available.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the Code, becoming CECOPS accredited or trying out the iCOPS® tool, please get in touch.

E: info@cecops.org.uk

T: 01494 863398

M: 07511 667 330

W: www.cecops.org.uk

 

Note to editors:

CECOPS CIC is a UK-based independent, not-for-profit, standards body for assistive technology services. CECOPS is widely supported by regulators and professional organisations. CECOPS is often cited as a requirement in tender specifications, and, although relatively new, is already working with approximately 80 organisations in the UK, with growing international interest.