Health and the ‘Internet of Things’ [from Independent living, July 2015]
72% of Britons believe using Internet of Things (IoT) enabled devices, like in-home monitors, would take pressure off the NHS.
It is difficult not to be aware of the increasing pressures on GP services, as fewer doctors are attracted to working in this area at the same time as demand increases, due to the ageing population and increase in people living with long-term health conditions.
According to a recent survey by YouGov for technology company Arqiva, nearly two thirds of people worry about the level of GP care that will be available in older age, and more than 70 percent of adults in Britain think that using internet-connected in-home technology – so called telehealth – could relieve some of the pressure on GP services, and help them to prioritise their time more effectively.
Majority of adults surveyed would be willing to monitor basic vitals at home
More than 90 percent of us would be ready to monitor basic health indicators, such as blood pressure, heart-rate and weight at home, which could be achieved via Internet of Things (IoT) enabled devices. Though perhaps not surprisingly, monitoring things that sound a bit more complicated, insulin levels, for example, or mental well-being, did not appeal to so many people, just 44 percent and 29 percent, respectively.
Key findings from the research include:
- Over 70% of UK adults believe using in-home care technologies to monitor health would take the pressure off patients and the NHS (72%) and enable local GPs to prioritise patient treatment (71%)
- 91% of people say they would be prepared to monitor basic vitals – such as blood pressure, heart rate and weight – at home
- 64% of people are concerned about the level of GP care available in older age
- Almost three quarters (72%) agree that the presence of monitoring technology in an elderly relative’s home would give them greater peace of mind and 70% said it would allow their relative to live independently for longer
Concerns regarding self-managed healthcare in terms of cost and technology
While there seems to be widespread agreement about the possibility of future self-management of healthcare, and a recognition that it could do a great deal to relieve some of the pressure on the NHS, there are some cautionary notes:
- More than a quarter of those surveyed confessed that they already struggled with current levels of technology in their home
- Almost a third thought that trying to manage technology in the home of an elderly relative would create more worries
- A quarter believed that using telemedicine technology would be more trouble than going to the surgery
And some interesting ideas about where the money should be coming from, to pay for this brave new world of connected devices:
• 50% thought the government should pay
• 42% gave a share of the responsibility to NHS trusts
• 37% believed that the person concerned or their family should pay
• 32% saw a financial role for the local council…
Share your thoughts about self-managed healthcare!
What do you think? Would you be ready to keep a check on your own vital health stats at home? Or do you prefer the reassurance of a face-to-face meeting with your GP or practice nurse? Do you think we can continue to expect such a level of service from local doctors?
The downside of advancing technology: The Internet of Things: Your worst nightmare
