Implementing Telecare
Increase the scale of the technology

Technical issues may have seemed relatively straightforward in the early implementation step, with only a small number of installations to consider. As it moves into significant expansion, possibly to different populations with different requirements from the initial project, the team needs to be ready to deal with some new issues, all of which may have resource implications.

Issues to consider:

  • Equipment capability – assessing what equipment could do what is required – i.e. fit for the purpose. Assess alternatives in a similar way to that suggested in Chapter 2.
  • Procurement procedures – being sure about the procedures that need to be followed here, and identifying any likely difficulties.
  • Estimates of costs, including installations / removals, upgrades etc, and staff implications.
  • Maintenance and repairs requirements – what is the likely scale or frequency of this, and how to arrange it – supplier maintenance contract, out-sourcing, in-house; management of data, increased calls?
  • Insurance and related issues, if any.
  • Storage and other asset management issues. Who is responsible for controlling issue of telecare equipment, their fitting, and inspection, procedure for correcting or replacing faulty units, decontamination and recycling of equipment?

Tasks related to the identification, procurement and management of the equipment for expansion of the service needs to be incorporated into the ongoing service development implementation plan.

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