BS 8684: Ensuring safe, effective, and person-centred TEC services
As more people rely on technology enabled care (TEC) to maintain their independence and well-being, the need for consistent and reliable standards has become increasingly evident. Enter BS 8684:2024, the UK’s first comprehensive standard dedicated to the delivery of TEC services.
An estimated 1.8 million people in the UK currently use telecare services. TEC has become a cornerstone of modern care delivery, offering solutions that empower individuals to live independently, safely, and with dignity.
From remote monitoring devices to emergency alert systems, it provides invaluable support to millions of people, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or living with chronic conditions.
However, the rapid expansion of TEC has also highlighted significant challenges, including inconsistencies in service delivery, varying levels of safety, and a lack of person-centred approaches.
Introducing the first standard for technology enabled care
Until now, standardization within the TEC sector has primarily focused on the products themselves—such as devices and alarms—rather than the comprehensive service chain that connects these products to the end users.
This gap has led to fragmented service delivery, with inconsistent practices in risk assessments, installation, maintenance, and information sharing. These inconsistencies not only compromise the quality of care but also put vulnerable users at risk.
BS 8684:2024 Technology enabled care – Assessment of user needs and risks, system design, installation and maintenance – Code of practice was developed to address these challenges.
It provides a much-needed framework that standardizes the design, installation, maintenance, and overall delivery of TEC services. By setting clear guidelines and best practices, this standard aims to ensure that TEC solutions are safe, effective, and truly person-centred.
Discover how standards support the provision of healthcare services by visiting our Healthcare Industry page.
What is the scope of BS 8684?
BS 8684 is a comprehensive standard that covers the entire spectrum of technology enabled care services, focusing on the critical aspects of user assessment, system design, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
The standard is intended for use by a wide range of stakeholders in the care sector, including:
Care commissioners: those responsible for procuring and overseeing TEC services.
Service providers: organizations delivering TEC services to end users.
Housing providers: entities integrating TEC solutions into residential settings.
Installers and maintenance professionals: those responsible for the physical installation and upkeep of TEC devices.
Local authorities: government bodies that play a key role in commissioning, regulating, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality TEC services to meet the needs of their communities.
The standard outlines recommendations for:
Person-centred assessments: ensuring that TEC solutions are tailored to the specific needs and risks of each individual user.
Selection and installation of connected products: providing guidelines on choosing the right technology and ensuring it is correctly installed.
Maintenance and decommissioning: offering best practices for the ongoing upkeep of TEC devices and their safe removal when no longer needed.
Information sharing: emphasizing the importance of clear communication and data sharing among all parties involved in the TEC service chain, including the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
Data processing and consent: establishing protocols for the ethical handling of user data, with a focus on privacy and security.
What are the benefits of using BS 8684?
The primary beneficiaries of BS 8684 are the individuals who rely on technology enabled care to live independently and safely.
By adopting this standard, care providers and commissioners can ensure that the TEC services they deliver are not only high-quality but also deeply aligned with the needs and preferences of users.
Key benefits include:
Enhanced safety and reliability: BS 8684 ensures that all aspects of TEC service delivery are standardized, reducing the risk of errors and inconsistencies that could compromise user safety. From thorough risk assessments to proper installation and maintenance, the standard provides a safety net that protects vulnerable individuals.
Person-centred care: one of the core principles of BS 8684 is the emphasis on tailoring TEC services to the unique needs of each user. This person-centred approach ensures that the technology is not only effective but also enhances the individual’s quality of life by supporting their independence and well-being.
Improved coordination and communication: the standard promotes better collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the TEC service chain. By ensuring that everyone, from commissioners to service providers to installers, is working from the same playbook, BS 8684 fosters a more cohesive and efficient service delivery model.
Greater confidence and trust: For users and their families, knowing that their TEC services are governed by a rigorous standard like BS 8684 provides peace of mind. It reassures them that the technology they depend on is safe, reliable, and fit for purpose.
Support for independent living: by ensuring that TEC solutions are appropriately assessed, selected, and maintained, BS 8684 helps users live independently in their own homes for as long as possible, reducing the need for more intensive care interventions.
Be at the forefront of technology enabled care solutions. Get your copy of BS 8684:2024 here.