What is telehealth?
Telehealth is a proactive method of measuring an individual’s health in the comfort of their own home. It involves the client being involved in their care, by regularly taking their vital signs, such as heart rate, weight, oxygen saturation, blood pressure and more.
Once this data is collected it is transferred via phone line to a central secure database for review and monitoring by a clinician or response centre. The data is assessed and compared to the client’s ‘normal’ or desirable readings. Abnormal readings are referred to the client’s physician for further analysis or action.
As well as involving the client in their health, this regular collection of data provides a more complete picture that quickly identifies abnormalities. It also offers trend data and the ability to more easily and accurately adjust medication to suit the client’s condition.
How does telehealth work?
The telehealth Honeywell HomMed Genesis unit is usually installed in a client’s house. At preset times throughout the day the Genesis will signal that it is time for the client to take their vital signs.
The Genesis will prompt the client with the action that needs to be taken, such as ‘place the pressure cuff on your arm above your elbow, and rest it as instructed’. When the vital signs have been recorded the Genesis will then ask a series of preset questions relevant to the client’s health.
Once the client’s vitals have been recorded the Genesis will transmit the data before returning to sleep mode.
Who is telehealth suitable for?
Telehealth is suitable for use by
Why use telehealth?
Telehealth provides a number of benefit;
1. Increased participation of the patient, family and carers in their own healthcare • Improved medication compliance
• Increased sense of involvement and responsibility
• Reduced episodes
2. Reduced care costs • Less hospital admissions and reduced time in hospital
• Less use of ambulance service
• Reduced travel costs for community carers
3. Efficient utilisation of human resources • Deliver more effective care to more people
• Proactive care management
Who uses telehealth?
Tunstall in the UK already has 39 organisations using the Honeywell HomMed system, including;
In North America over 500 organisations have deployed the Honeywell HomMed system, including;
Results of telehealth efficiency pilot studies.
NHS Medway UK
Nursing Home
127 hospital bed days saved
112 nursing hours saved
Community Setting
133 bed days saved
117 nursing hours saved
Almost 9 hours GP time saved
Sheffield Primary Care Trust UK
50% decrease in hospital bed admission
£30,000 to £40,000 saving
Patients are more aware of their own symptoms and are able to proactively manage them
Rapid response when a change is detected in their condition
Fewer unplanned hospital admissions
Home-HF
Fewer unplanned admissions
Fewer outpatient visits
Improved self care for the patient in their home
Support for evidence-based decision making
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