Telehealth and ‘assistive technology’ What it means and how it might affect the way that care is delivered

E-learning
i
Members only
An elearning module or article about an e-learning module which is run an managed by the British Geriatrics Society
Authors:
Wendy Barker
Topics:
Digital Health and Technology
Date Published:
01 October 2012
Last updated: 
01 October 2012

This practice question has been published with the kind permission of the Royal College of Nursing

Assistive technology, for example, telehealth, is designed to support people in their own homes. Telehealth is the remote exchange of data between a patient at home and clinicians to assist in diagnosis and monitoring. Its purpose is to empower individuals in the management of their long-term condition and to support healthcare professionals in their treatment options and care planning.

The deployment of such technology in the community is designed to bring care closer to home and to avoid inappropriate hospital admissions. It allows practitioners to monitor disease progression and put practical measures in place to reduce and/or stop crisis interventions.