In-Home Telehealth Study Launched By Mayo Clinic, GE, Intel

During the year-long study 200 high-risk patients over the age of 60 with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart failure, lung disease, will use a medical monitoring device to take their vitals: blood pressure, weight, sugar levels and peak air flow. This information is collected in a central database at the Mayo Clinic where the patient's primary medical team will have secure web access. Clinicians will also be able to use the videoconferencing system to observe and communicate with their patients.

Continue ReadingIn-Home Telehealth Study Launched By Mayo Clinic, GE, Intel

Is the UK out in front of others, including the US, when it comes to smart homes, telecare and telehealthcare technology adoption?

George MacGinnis on the difference between telecare and telehealth: In terms of telecare we think of tele-social care. The main focus is on managing risks to peoples’ lives. They might have a panic button, a fall sensor and these might be people who are suffering from dementia. There are risks that they might leave the oven on and create a fire, so there are remote control fire detectors or remote gas shut off valves, etc. Whereas [telehealth] is much more about chronic disease management: Diabetics might be checking their sugar, others might be checking peak flows, blood pressure or weighing themselves and answering questions about their health.

Continue ReadingIs the UK out in front of others, including the US, when it comes to smart homes, telecare and telehealthcare technology adoption?