Whole Systems Demonstrators An Overview of Telecare and Telehealth
Whole Systems Demonstrators An Overview of Telecare and Telehealth
Date: June 2009
Author: Department of Health
Summary: The Whole System Demonstrator (WSD) programme is a two year research project funded by the Department of Health to find out how technology can help people manage their own health while maintaining their independence.
Currently there is a lack of robust evidence around the effectiveness of Telecare and Telehealth technologies but the WSD programme should help to close this evidence gap.
The WSD programme is believed to be the largest randomised control trial of Telecare and Telehealth in the world to date. Thousands of members of the public will be involved in the programme with individuals being recruited at three sites (Cornwall, Kent and Newham).
Telecare services are aimed at vulnerable people who need the support of Social Care or Health Services to keep living on their own. For example those with physical disabilities, the frail and elderly or those suffering from dementia or epilepsy.
Telehealth services are aimed at helping people manage their long term health conditions in their own home. Conditions include - diabetes, heart failure and/ or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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