Lewisham Health and Care Partners (LHCP) has launched a digital home monitoring solution to support patients with health conditions.
It has worked with AI in healthcare company HN and software and services firm L2S2 in developing the solution, which includes the use of Bluetooth devices and an app to keep track of blood glucose levels.
They are in the early stages of a six-month pilot project in which 60 Lewisham residents, 30 with respiratory conditions and 30 with diabetes, will be monitored over six months to see how the technology can help to reduce care events.
All of them are receiving Bluetooth devices – either a glucometer or SpO2 meter/oximeter – and the L2S2/HN Reassure App on a smartphone. If they do not have a phone one is being provided.
The data feeds into the app, which is monitored by clinicians and can also provide clinical coaching to manage the conditions and virtual ward oversight.
Reducing Covid-19 pressure
LHCP, which is funded by the London Borough of Lewisham and the NHS South East London Clinicial Commissioning Group, said the pilot is aimed at supporting the patients in self-care and reducing the pressure on the NHS caused by Covid-19.
Dr Ravi Sharma, clinical director of the CCG, said: “Whenever there is better access to key health parameters, we doctors have greater confidence in our advice for patients to stay home or go to hospital.
“I believe in many circumstances, housebound patients with long term health conditions would have better health outcomes if clinicians had the ability to get accurate information in a less labour intensive way. This pilot addresses such aspects and in addition also adds health coaching support.
“This pilot attempts to bridge a key gap by bringing access to more accurate advice and support to patients at home via digital technology. I am sure this pilot will live up to these expectations.”
Martin Wilkinson, director of integrated care commissioning for Lewisham, said: “Across our local health and care partnership, we are keen to utilise digital approaches to help to ease the pressure on our health and care system.
“We expect this pilot to help reduce some of the additional pressure caused by the Covid pandemic and help to improve patients’ wellbeing whilst staying safely at home. We very much look forward to seeing the results of the pilot.”
Image from iStock, dragan991
