NHS trust uses new technology to connect with patients
Mi adopted to help 1,000 patients in Liverpool
Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust is playing a key role in a pioneering new health service which has just been launched in Liverpool.
Through the use of cutting-edge technology, Mi – which stands for more independent - aims to help people to stay in their own homes and prevent them going in hospital.
Mi is based on a Government-led partnership of organisations working together to transform lives through the use of telehealth and telecare, with a range of products which also allow people to ‘try and buy’ the new technology for the first time.
Liverpool Community Health is currently using telehealth technology to support more than 50 patients with long-term health conditions to give them greater control in monitoring and managing their health at home.
There are lots of different tools for people’s different health needs. From someone who simply needs a little practical health advice, through to people living with complex, long-term conditions who need greater support
Through the installation of a set-top box which connects to a TV and the Motiva Personal Healthcare Channel, nurses can send immediate messages, feedback and reminders to patients, as well as information and videos about staying healthy.
Patients can also use the blood pressure monitor and body weight scale to send readings through to the nurse via a secure network connection.
Those behind the new service believe that telehealth will be a vital part of patient care plans in the future, and Liverpool Community Health is aiming to roll out Mi across all of Liverpool with the aim supporting at least 1,000 patients with technology within the next two years.
Helen Lockett, director of operations and an executive nurse at the trust, said: “Technology has already changed our everyday lives, and Mi is all about harnessing potential to empower people to live more independently in their own homes and lead healthier lives.”
“The technology on offer is amazing. There are lots of different tools for people’s different health needs. From someone who simply needs a little practical health advice, through to people living with complex, long-term conditions who need greater support, Mi provides us with a greater opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and whole communities.”
In addition, Mi also offers a wide range of supporting products, ranging from talking watches that tell you the time, to bath plugs that can stop flooding or tell you if the water is too hot.
Mi has also created a Smart House to allow people to see the range of products available for different rooms in a ‘home’ environment installed at The Museum of Liverpool, with trained advisors on hand to demonstrate the technology and advise people on what products may be suitable for their needs.
It also provides a dedicated helpline to help advise people about these products, make purchases and arrange installation if required.