Telehealth and telecare set to help millions

Up to three million people could benefit from government plans to role out telehealth and telecare, following an extensive trial to assess their impact and use.

Known as the Whole System Demonstrator programme, the trial was set up by the Department of Health to examine the extent to which telehealth and  telecare can help people to live independently, take control and be responsible for their own health and care. 

Initial findings show if used properly, they can deliver:

·       a 15% reduction in Accident and Emergency visits

·       a 20% reduction in emergency admissions

·       a 14% reduction in elective admissions

·       a 14% reduction in bed days

·       an 8% reduction in tariff costs.

Findings also reveal a 45% reduction in mortality rates.

The telehealth trial involved 3,030 people with one of three conditions – diabetes, heart failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

For the telecare, people were selected using the Fair Access to Care Services criteria.

In response to the evidence, the government wants to extend the use of new and emerging healthcare technologies to three million people over the next five years. 

This will be done as part of the ‘Three Million Lives’ campaign to be developed by the Department of Health in partnership with technology industries, the NHS, social care, and other professionals.  A detailed work plan is in development and will reflect further findings to come out of the trial.  


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