Momentum telemedicine service descriptions

Telescot Programme (UK)

Objectives, expected outcomes, main beneficiaries

The Telescot Programme set out to evaluate the impact of telehealth on admissions to hospital and quality of life on COPD, control of high blood pressure, diabetes and managing blood pressure in people with strokes. The main beneficiaries are the patients..

Targeted population, number of patients

The targeted population was people with chronic conditions (e.g. who receive long-term monitoring or coaching), specifically people whose long term condition is considered to be poorly controlled. The key actors involved in the relationship were patients and primary care.

Type of telemedicine service

The service can be classified as a monitoring service. Between 100-1,000 people benefit from the service each month. The estimated targeted population nationally is up to 10,000.

Set-up that was being replaced

The former service was normal general practitioner care for these conditions.

Outcomes and results expected after introduction

Expectations were of reduced hospital admissions, increased quality of life, and reduced blood pressure and haemoglobin A1c (HBA1c).

Detailed description

There are a variety of interventions in the service: some relying on fixed broadband Internet, others on mobile phone technology. The patient measures parameters and records symptoms which can be viewed by a health professional. An algorithm alerts the professional to potential problems.

Operational status

The Telescot service is operational and forms part of the mainstream health service.