The East Riding of Yorkshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) needed to reduce the number of emergency bed days, in accordance with the Public Sector Agreement (PSA) target. The local authority faced the challenge of delivering on targets to promote independence for older people to remain in their own homes.
A Telehealth pilot was undertaken in Bridlington. It integrated Telecare and Telehealth services into a whole systems approach of health and social care for people with Long Term Conditions (LTCs). Data from the pilot demonstrated a reduction in acute admission rates after Telehealth installation, when compared with pre-pilot data.
The Telehealth pilot was a significant opportunity to apply new technology to care for patients experiencing unplanned admissions. Evidence suggests that people with LTCs need rapid access to expert assessment, diagnosis and support, with a focus on care in the community and care at home. LTC care aims to move away from the model of treating patients as they present with problems, to trying to prevent problems before they occur.
Nine patients were identified who had a recognised LTC and were considered to be High Incidence Users of NHS services. These patients were referred to the Bridlington pilot, with a primary diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Heart Failure or Diabetes. Telehealth equipment was installed in the patients' homes, to enable the remote measurement and monitoring of vital signs, such as pulse and blood pressure.
During the six months prior to the installation of Telehealth, the nine patients in the pilot had a combined total of 30 hospital admissions. In the six months following installation, there were just six admissions.
The pilot provided socio/psychological support and helped to increase patient skills and knowledge of the self-care management of their disease. The impact this had was one of the prime determinants of the pilot's success. Feedback from patients and carers has been extremely positive, with expressed support that this service needs to continue.
In terms of integration, this pilot has demonstrated the benefits for patients and carers, health and social care professionals, the PCT and the local authority.