Exploring the Synergies between Telecare/ Telehealth and Digital Inclusion

Telecare, Telehealth and Telemedicine make use of the latest technology to empower patients and to assist vulnerable people to live independently in their own homes. The government is very much committed to these technologies through the Preventative Technologies Grants and the Whole System Demonstrator programme. The target audience for this technology is generally older, especially for Telecare, and overlaps significantly with those who are also digitally excluded. For example 85% of those over 65yrs old do not use the Internet. There are therefore potential synergies between the two policy areas that deserve to be explored.

A number of questions were posed for debate:

• Does digital exclusion impact Connecting for Health? How can the ADI help reduce the impact of digital exclusion on CfH?

• How can digital inclusion help improve the lives of telecare/ telehealth patients? What digital inclusion applications, e.g. social networking technologies, can enhance these services?

• Are there any specific opportunities to stimulate innovation and convergence around telehealth and digital inclusion e.g. through the Preventative Technology Grants, the Whole System Demonstrator contracts or other such vehicles?

• What is the local authority business case for Telehealth/ Telecare? Is there a business case for installing convergent solutions e.g. installing broadband or DiTV services on the back of Telehealth/ Telecare installations?

• What is the industry perspective on convergent services?

Presentations

Charles Lowe - Newham Advanced Telecare
George MacGinnis - NHS Connecting for Health
Mike Andrews - Philips Medical Systems
Jon Skinner - 7 Basic Needs Ltd

Date: 10 May 2007