Part of the Whole System Demonstrator (WSD) trial, TeleHealth records the daily monitoring of health patterns in people with long term conditions to help them manage their health more effectively and help avoid an emergency situation from arising.

 

On the trial the TeleHealth system is aimed at people with long term health conditions such as diabetes, heart failure and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

 

The system is connected to a user’s television via a set top box. Vital signs readings are taken and automatically fed into the unit. Depending on the condition, the equipment allows users to measure their weight, blood pressure, blood sugar levels or oxygen levels. These results are monitored daily by healthcare professionals who can then take immediate and appropriate action if any abnormalities are detected. These actions can take the form of text messages typed through the TeleHealth system, a phone call or a home visit.

 

Users need have their own television and telephone line and the only other cost will be the very small amount of electricity used to run the set-top box.

 

Unfortunately, recruitment for the Trial has now ended. If TeleHealth does become part of the mainstream health service in Newham, participants need to be referred by their GP, to ensure the service is appropriate for them.

 

The monitoring centre is where the daily readings are studied on a daily basis. It is manned by healthcare professionals who, if there are any abnormalities in the results, will then be able to determine the nature of the problem and initiate the appropriate response.

 

A television and the Philips Motiva system with remote are currently required to use the service. The Motiva system looks like a set-top-box, and is installed and connected to user’s own televisions by a contracted technician. We do not supply televisions or phone lines. In addition, monitoring equipment is used, such as a blood pressure cuff with reader, blood glucometer (measures blood glucose levels), pulse oximeter (measures pulse and oxygen levels) and weight scales.

 

The system is designed to be user-friendly, clear and straightforward. Once installed, the technician will go through the system with users and explain how it works. Users are also able to call the monitoring centre at any time should they have a question on using the system?

 

Users will receive a call from their district nurse in response to any abnormal readings. If users are aware that they have entered inaccurate data they can call the monitoring centre or their district nurse to let them know which readings were entered incorrectly.

 

TeleHealth equipment is not intended as an emergency service. In the event of a medical emergency users should call 999.

 

Taking readings daily or five days a week is recommended but the requirement is that readings are taken as directed by the user’s healthcare professional.
Will district nurses still visit patients who use TeleHealth?
The TeleHealth equipment and clinical monitoring received as part of the trial does not replace user’s current level of care. If a community matron or district nurse currently visits users they will continue to do so. The TeleHealth equipment and the specialist nurse assigned to users during the trial are in addition to the normal levels of care.
What happens after the trial period for the WSD, will the equipment have to be given back?
The trial is for two years, and then the Department of Health together with the Newham Council and NHS Newham will make a decision on the future of TeleHealth in Newham.