NHS Direct works in partnership to support COPD patients

It is thought that patients with long-term conditions, such as COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) constitute around 30% of the UK population and approximately 70% of NHS expenditure.

To address this challenge, NHS Direct has been working in partnership with NHS Leeds, NHS Hull and local community healthcare teams to identify patients whose health condition might benefit from co-ordinated care that incorporates a telehealth system.

The system involves a remote patient monitoring device, developed and supplied by Bosch Healthcare, being connected to a telehealth centre via the patient’s phone line or broadband connection. This allows close telemonitoring and telecoaching by a dedicated team of health professionals.

Patients answer questions that are specific to their condition, and their responses are recorded by the team at NHS Direct who can provide support or alert the community healthcare team if needed. NHS Direct works in close collaboration with the community healthcare teams to encourage patients to follow their personalised health care plan and learn how to be in better control of their long-term condition.

The project already has more than 200 patients whose day-to-day self management skills have been significantly improved by the telehealth project. In addition, clinicians are able to better target patients who need their assistance at the appropriate time.

Telehealth care solutions such as this one, that use technology to support and monitor patients in their own homes, are fast becoming a viable and safe option. It is felt that such projects will ultimately reduce unnecessary A&E and GP attendances and hospital admissions, which will save money and, most importantly, improve quality of life for the patient.

For more information, please contact Linda Nuttall, Regional Head of Service Development. 

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