Over 100 researchers, actuaries, technologists and NGOs are coming together this afternoon to explore the potential of new technology to improve health and care, reduce costs and tackle isolation amongst older people.
Early findings from the Whole System Demonstrator (WSD) programme set up by the Department of Health (published in December 2011) found that “If delivered properly, telehealth can substantially reduce mortality, reduce the need for admissions to hospital, lower the number of bed days spent in hospital and reduce the time spent in A&E”.
The randomised control trial of over 6,000 patients found that if delivered properly, telehealth can deliver:
· 45% reduction in mortality rates
· 20% reduction in emergency admissions
· 15% reduction in A&E visits
· 14% reduction in elective admissions
· 14% reduction in bed days
· 8% reduction in tariff costs
The event, being organised by the International Longevity Centre – UK (ILC-UK) in conjunction with the Actuarial Profession, and supported by New Dynamics of Ageing (NDA), will showcase 9 NDA technology research projects: (Mappmal: hospitalfoodie; SomnIA – Sleep in Elderly; Design for Ageing Well; TACT3 – Tackling Ageing Continence through Theory; Tools and Technology; Envision – envision to envisage: Using visualisations in physical rehabilitation therapy; Making the Kitchen Easier; NANA – Novel Assessment of Nutrition and Ageing; Keeping Older People Connected; Safety on Stairs).(1)
Ahead of the event, Professor Alan Walker, Director of NDA said “The role of technology in both improving care and containing costs, so far, has been mostly a case of great promise but poor delivery. Evidence from the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme emphasises the enormous potential but, also, the need to work closely with older users if this is to be realised.”
Jane Curtis, President of the Institute and faculty of Actuaries said “The ageing population presents policy makers with a wide variety of challenging questions that need to be tackled if we are able to offer support that is both effective and affordable. This event, which we are pleased to host and sponsor, will provide practical, evidence based research that I hope will provide illumination and insight”
David Sinclair, Assistant Director, Policy and Communications at ILC-UK, who is speaking at the event said: “New technology offers great potential for improving care and reducing costs, but it is not a golden bullet. The promise and potential of technology must go alongside adequate funding of care. Policy-makers and technology designers must work together to ensure that new technology is usable, accessible, and acceptable to the older care recipient.”
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