The UK could be at the forefront of using technologies that enable patients to be cared for in the comfort of their home if the government adopted more imaginative approaches to supporting the NHS and industry working in this field, according to a report released on January 24 by researchers from Imperial College Business School.
It is estimated that approximately 350,000 NHS patients in the UK currently use technologies that remotely monitor their vital signs, mobility and general safety at home. In 2012, the Government decided to dramatically extend the use of these technologies to up to 3 million people, following calls for its widespread adoption. However, the complex relationship between health, social care services, the NHS and local authorities could jeopardise the implementation of these services in the community.
‘Remote Care PLC: Developing the capacity of the remote care industry to supply Britain's future needs’ highlights how the UK is already a global testbed for the use of these technologies, which is collectively known as "Remote Care". However, they warn that without a more radical approach to encourage its adoption, the Government could see a failure of its current policies, which could lead to the NHS and the remote care industry losing confidence and commitment in developing and delivering these technologies.
The report recommends a reform of NHS payment systems; new relationships between suppliers of Remote Care and the NHS and local authorities: Consideration of new Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in healthcare and greater collaboration between health and social care providers so that purchasing is less fragmented and clear market signals are sent to suppliers.
