Implementing Telecare
Write the project terms of reference

Any project benefits from clearly identifying the scope of the work that needs to be done to achieve the outcomes, to ensure that all stakeholders are clear about what the project will and will not set out to achieve. It avoids misunderstandings and provides a common reference point.

What should it include?

Early discussions will have focussed on understanding what powerful stakeholders expect the project to achieve. The terms of reference document is a convenient way of summarising this, as it ensures a common understanding amongst those involved, and is especially useful when new people become involved. It states:

Why the project has been started –

• the outcomes it is intended to achieve;
• how it is expected to support the wider strategic objectives of the partnership such as the care of older people, reduction in delayed discharges, etc.

Who is to be involved –

• the names, roles and responsibilities of those on the main project team and of the units or agencies that will be part of the work.

How it will be done -

• set out (in broad terms) the main sub-tasks which will need to be completed, indicating the resources / funding that will be required;
• include an indication of other issues / risk that might need to be managed;
• include how the project relates to other similar projects elsewhere in the partnership (project dependencies).

When it will be done –

• specify when each sub-task will be completed;
• is it to be implemented in one event, or gradually rolled out from an initial service area to complete integration with existing service provision?

A Project Terms of reference template is included as Tool 7 below.