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Telecare Policy

Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} aims to ensure that, where telecare is employed as part of an individual’s care option, it is safely and ethically used and supported by suitable knowledgeable and skilled staff.

The policy is in line with the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. With regard to telecare, the service understands that the following regulations apply.

• Regulation 9: Person-centred Care, which includes a requirement for service providers to ensure that the care and treatment of people using the service is appropriate, meets their needs and reflects their preferences.
• Regulation 10: Dignity and Respect, which requires people receiving care to be treated with dignity and respect.
• Regulation 11: Need for Consent, which requires that care and treatment is provided only with the consent of the relevant person.
• Regulation 12: Safe Care and Treatment, which includes a requirement for care and treatment to be provided in a safe way.
• Regulation 15: Premises and Equipment, which includes a requirement for all premises and equipment to be suitable and properly maintained.

{{org_field_name}} also follows National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance NG21: Home Care: Delivering Personal Care and Practical Support to Older People Living in Their Own Homes (NICE 2015).

NICE states that there should always be a discussion with a person who uses care services as to whether telecare could complement their care package and any other services they are using.

Background

{{org_field_name}} understands that telecare — also known as “advanced assistive technology” — typically takes the form of technological devices and systems used in the care sector to increase, maintain and improve the capabilities and independence of people who have cognitive, physical or communication difficulties. Telecare devices are, therefore, increasingly being used to help manage risks, improve care and enhance safety.

Examples include personal alarms, falls alarms and advanced electronic devices and sensors that can be deployed to remotely monitor people and raise an alarm or call for assistance where required.

{{org_field_name}} understands that the provision of safe care and having effective equipment maintenance policies and procedures in place is an important element in the “five key question test” which is used during CQC inspections to determine a quality rating for the service.

Procedures

In {{org_field_name}}:

• a full risk and multidisciplinary care assessment will be carried out on all people receiving care by appropriately trained staff and with input from appropriate care professionals as part of the care planning process; the assessment will include areas where telecare may play a role in augmenting their care and treatment. These options will be reviewed as necessary and when the person’s condition changes or deteriorates
• people receiving care will be provided with information about telecare options during the needs assessment and care planning process, including the benefits and risks of using telecare and implications for privacy
• where telecare is identified as a possible care option, an additional assessment from a local telecare provider will, with the person’s consent, be arranged; the service user will, where required, be supported during this assessment
• telecare equipment will only be used to enhance and improve care
• telecare equipment will only be used with the explicit informed consent of the individual concerned or their relatives or representatives, as appropriate; any decision to use telecare in the care of someone with limited capacity should be assessed in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of Practice and must form part of a best interests’ decision that is regularly reviewed
• where a person wishes to use telecare, {{org_field_name}} will work with them and with telecare providers to identify their preferred telecare options that maximise their independence and dignity and helps them live in the way that they choose; the plan of care will be adjusted to ensure that any support required is provided; staff will be provided with additional training if required to enable them to support the use of telecare options
• appropriate discharge planning will be completed prior to the transfer of home of any person who uses services from a hospital or specialist unit who is suffering from a long-term condition which includes the use of telecare as a care option
• the privacy and dignity of people must be considered wherever telecare is used; systems must be designed not to infringe the individual’s privacy and dignity
• care staff should:

a. support people as appropriate in working with any telecare systems fitted
b. report any telecare devices that do not appear to be working correctly
c. report any concerns they have with the use of telecare, including any concerns as to its ethical use or possible infringements of privacy or dignity.

Any telecare equipment used should be procured from responsible providers with a track record of high quality, safe equipment. All suppliers should have appropriate accreditation from a trade body and abide by any code of conduct and quality standard. All equipment should be installed by a qualified technician under professional guidance and supervision. All equipment will be subject to suitable risk assessments and portable appliance testing. It must be properly fitted, set up, serviced and maintained by suitably qualified persons in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

With landlines across the UK being switched to new digital systems, {{org_field_name}} is aware this might affect telecare devices and personal alarms and ensure appropriate actions taken in collaboration with telephone service providers prior to the switch taking place.

Management Responsibilities

In {{org_field_name}}, managers should:

• arrange appropriate telecare training and information updates for staff
• encourage care staff to consider the incorporation of such technology into care planning and care provision where appropriate
• ensure that the use of telecare is included in {{org_field_name}}’s Statement of Purpose and complies fully with all legal requirements and best practice guidance on the use of surveillance and monitoring systems
• ensure that telecare is only ever used where indicated in a needs assessment as a way of meeting person-centred care needs
• ensure that telecare is never used as a means of reducing staff cover or as a cheaper alternative to appropriate hands-on care where that is indicated as the best and preferred way to deliver care.

Training

Care staff should attend suitable training so that they are aware of how telecare and telehealth works and of the variety of devices available.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}

Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}

Next review date: this policy is reviewed annualy (every 12 months). When needed, this policy is also updated in response to changes in legislation, regulation, best practices, or organisational changes.

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