Technology Enabled Care Services (TECS) may seem fairly self explanatory. Enhancing levels of care with the use of technology. Sounds simple enough, but TECS refer to a variety of technologies. Technology enabled care consists of predominantly telecare, telehealth and telemedicine. Helping anyone whom may require care, from diabetes to epilepsy to chronic long term ailments.
Why use Technology Enabled Care Services? Utilising available technologies reduces NHS costs by enabling people to live independently and safely in their own homes for longer. Let’s take a better look into the different technologies that make up TECS.
Telecare
Telecare is the most common form of TECS and covers the essential requirements for caring for vulnerable individuals The basic equipment starts with a personal alarm usually worn around the neck or wrist. In an emergency, you would press the button on the personal alarm, sending an alert to a carer via the Buzzz Notifier. A dispersed alarm unit (DAU) can also receive the alert. As a result, the DAU then sends the alarm call to the local authorities who can send a responder or notify family and friends.
Depending on the complexity of the individuals needs, other peripheral sensors such as bed mats, PIR’s and fall detectors can also be provided. These sensors give an overall view of daily activities and in some cases can act as prevention systems.
Telehealth
Telehealth uses devices to monitor vital signs in the comfort of your own home. Consequently, this is ideal for patients with long term conditions. Daily data is collected from the do it yourself style kits such as blood pressure monitors and the results analysed. If something outside of the ordinary is detected, this data can then be sent to a clinician.
Therefore, this remote exchange of data between a clinician and a patient at home can reduce the amount of required hospital visits. Hence, this type of technology gives control back to individuals and provides additional reassurance for family members.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine, it’s like having a doctor in your front room! Specialist apps or software transform smart device and TV’s into video call devices which allows you to speak with a doctor from anywhere. In a similar way to Telehealth, it is also possible to speak directly with a clinician if and when required.
Telehealth Case Study https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/tecs-arran-ayr.pdf
Telemedicine Case Study https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/tecs-airedale.pdf
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