Implementing Telecare
Establish a common method of working

Those working on a project typically come from different services, and bring with them different perspectives and ways of working. Whilst acknowledging individual perspectives, projects perform better if they follow common working methods, such as:

• Plan meetings – ensure that dates and times are set for a significant period ahead (e.g. 6 months to 1 year) to ensure good attendance; agendas and papers circulated at least three days ahead; a clear finishing time.
• Use project planning sheets – to record the tasks which the meeting decides upon, showing each sub-task, the start/finish date, and the person responsible.
• Set clear completion dates for tasks - and ensure people report regularly on progress against the plan. This allows appropriate action to be taken to keep the project on track, or to advise others that the project is being delayed. It also encourages buy-in and commitment.
• Record decisions / actions – to show progress against project plan, with names against action points. These may need to be chased up if not delivered as agreed. Circulate these within 1 week of the meeting. Formal minutes may be required for steering group meetings.
• Provide administrative support – if possible!
• Provide regular reports to the steering group – this helps retain their support, and gives them confidence that the project is being firmly managed. Alert them to any difficulties, and ask for their support in solving them.
• Develop an agreed method of working – as the project team works together, the project manager should encourage effective working practices (such as regular attendance at meetings, etc) to ensure that the team works together effectively.