Using technology to support self-care FOR long term conditions

Technology to support patients living with long term conditions is in the news with the recent announcement of three sites to pilot telecare and telemonitoring. It’s little wonder there is so much interest from providers and suppliers. The rewards are great indeed for those health organisations willing to take the initiative to devise services that really do motivate people with diabetes to keep their blood glucose under control or help COPD patients avoid emergency hospital admissions, as Dr Ian Banks points out in this feature.

Why are we waiting? Dr Banks calls on health services to up their game and place greater emphasis on self-care and management before the inevitable tide of long term conditions hits general practice.

New Windows and Doors Sir? Telephone outreach is more than a sales pitch. Dr Ian Banks discusses how we can use the telephone to the patient’s health advantage.