telecare

This article is all about the digital revolution of healthcare. Apparently, within five years patients across the country will be able to go online and speak to their GP via video link; order prescriptions or see their health records. And GP surgeries and hospitals could start providing free Wi-Fi. Companies are also developing health gadgets which can check blood pressure, monitor insulin levels and even pick up neurological conditions by videoing eye movement or depressive symptoms through language used on Twitter feeds.

With many people suggesting the current model of health is unsustainable – ageing populations, increasing demand and financial pressures – the answer here seems to be not to do less, but to do things differently.For example, telehealth delivered by Peninsula Community Health in Cornwall (http://www.peninsulacommunityhealth.co.uk/about-us/) provides equipment for patients to take key health readings. Using a normal phone line, these readings are automatically sent to a health professional – usually their key worker (Community Matron or Specialist Nurse). This means that they can quickly spot any change in a patient’s condition and follow up if necessary.