Telehealth Solutions

Harvey McEwan

The world of primary healthcare across the UK is currently undergoing a very 21st century metamorphosis. Thanks to technology from Watford-based Telehealth Solutions, patients can now take unprecedented control of their own health.

These systems – including the HomePod, CarePod, CardioPod, PharmacyPod and SurgeryPod – can be easily installed in homes, GP surgeries, pharmacies, schools and other locations as appropriate. The idea is to streamline primary healthcare and free up medical professionals to concentrate on improving patient care.

Every machine installed is making its mark by effecting valuable savings in time and money for the hard-pushed NHS across the UK. Already several areas are enjoying the benefits of investing in THS equipment, not least in London. Several GP practices and pharmacies in Camden have had either a SurgeryPod or CardioPod installed, which has proved a popular move.

SurgeryPods are installed and connected directly to the local practice management system, which means patients can monitor their own weight and blood pressure from the waiting room. The CardioPod allows people to pop in off the street for a full cardiovascular check at their local pharmacy that takes no more than 20 minutes. If any warning signs are flagged up after the tests, whether it’s high blood pressure or cholesterol levels, a print out of the results is handed to the patient to take to the doctor should they wish.

Anything in-putted into the machine, whether related to smoking, alcohol, chronic diseases or even depression, is then sent directly to the patient’s notes. That means the doctor sees it before the patient even enters the room. In fact, the pods are so popular in Camden that one family doctor is keen to start taking the CarePod around on his bicycle for home visits and mobile surgeries.

North of the border things are also taking off in a big way. On the Isle of Bute, off the west coast of Scotland, 15 HomePods were rolled out this year to patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a chronic condition that kills 4,000 Scots every year. The HomePod monitors hypertension, drug and alcohol addiction, depression, asthma, heart failure, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity, congestive heart failure and smoking cessation.

In part, this is achieved because the machine is able to monitor their vital signs – including heart rate, weight, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels – and can rest assured that the results are delivered directly to those managing their care.

NHS Highland Project Manager Lynn Garrett said the technology has improved the quality of services to patients in the area and also encourages patients to work in tandem with local health professionals to manage their condition. She also said the system will help reduce unnecessary patient travel in rural areas, as information can be remotely viewed by clinicians. Other benefits include a possible reduction in admissions to hospital and a higher level of available patient information.