Before exploring and analysing the availability of today’s already advanced telecare, as well as expected upcoming future solutions – the next generation solutions – we must first define telecare. What exactly does it cover, and how can both care receivers and care providers benefit from innovations included in the overall telecare landscape
Generally speaking, telecare is used to describe the use of tools, devices, systems, and technology that offer and deliver remote care and emergency alarm systems – often to elderly, and individuals that are physically and mentally challenged. It should be noted, however, that the scope of this definition is constantly expanding given the plethora of technological advancements and innovations in the field, such as e.g. the advent of smart solutions.
Read more: What is Digital Telecare?
Observing the steady growth of next generation solutions in the European telecare market
In the United Kingdom, at least 70% of telecare is still reliant on analogue platforms, such as landlines according to the data reported by Berg Insight in 2019. Despite this the report saw an upward trend in shipment of digital care alarms, which would mean that the volume of digital care devices and alarms will easily surpass the number of analogue devices available on the market over the coming years.
The report also estimated that “next generation” telecare systems will be taking over the market, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 22% in 2024.
The availability of smart solutions today
As previously mentioned, the definition of telecare is constantly evolving, thanks to the development of highly innovative devices and solutions. Next generation telecare are compatible with smart solutions, IoT devices, alarms, and programs able to solve specific problems that traditional care and alarm solutions wouldn’t be able to address. These smart solutions often work in synergy with each other, and are also open and interoperable by nature. Some of these solutions include:
- Medication assistant robots – these devices are assisting care receivers and patients with the precise medication regimen, significantly reducing errors and increasing patient medication compliance.
- Incontinence products with smart sensors – these products are paired with a sensor placed on the outside of the actual pad to monitor the saturation level, greatly reducing unnecessary and interrupting inspections, while also reducing the risk of ulcers.
- Smart cameras – these solutions allow care providers to conduct virtual checks, eliminating the need for unnecessary nightly visits which sometimes can be intrusive to some care receivers. These smart cameras are both secure and discreet, and can be configured to face only the corners or the ceiling of a room, except for scheduled surveillance intervals or virtual checks.
- Fall detection radars – these are non-wearable radars that can reliably detect sudden movement, promptly alerting response centres and care providers in the case of an emergency
In addition to these examples, data-driven solutions and artificial intelligence powered devices and trackers are also being introduced to the market. These could come in the form of cameras or sensors to study and learn the everyday patterns and habits of the care receiver and alert the care provider if any unusual behaviour is detected, potentially identifying any early signs of an illness, seizure or other possible emergency.
Read more: How to Create Proactive Care Using Radar Technology
Positively shaping the future of telecare with data
An important aspect of next generation telecare is data, and how it can be utilised to shape the future of telecare, and by doing so positively impact both care receivers and care providers. Current and future trends in the telecare industry point to a secure collection of patient data, and how it can be organised to be utilised to streamline healthcare processes. An example of this is anytime, anywhere care, a concept that allows care receivers to access healthcare services on the fly. A system built with interoperability in mind and thanks to patient data being easily accessible through this system. This concept also allows for flexible alarm management. Anyone granted access to the care recipient via an alarm management system, can escalate and handle any alarm events.
Smart data analytics pave the way for highly-personalised patient approaches, allowing solutions providers and care providers to come up with specific and targeted solutions to highly specific and individual challenges. Today, open APIs are used in healthcare for data management, data analytics, medical research, but also in other innovative methods of managing electronic health records.
Be next-generation ready with Skyresponse today
With the availability of next-generation solutions in telecare today, partnering with a capable platform provider is equally important. Skyresponse offers a 100% cloud-based, futureproof platform that allows solutions providers to utilise current and upcoming smart solutions in telecare. Built with interoperability in mind, the Skyresponse platform allows its users to easily integrate advanced solutions, including those yet to be introduced to the rapidly growing market of telecare.
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