Telenor home healthcare trial brings independence to the elderly
Article:
Pilot project to connect in-home sensors to medical alert system now completed. Health care receivers as well as providers are positive towards using this new technology.
Back in September, Telenor Group announced a new research project that aimed to help maintain independent living for the elderly. This pilot project, conducted in Norway, wirelessly connected in-home sensors to the Medical Alert System in the individual’s home. Once an alarm was triggered, the healthcare providers received a text message alert on their mobile phones.
Addressing challenges for the elderly living at home
Telenor’s five-month project focused on using sensors for common issues in the homes of elderly people. The devices tested included an electronic pill dispenser, a moisture sensor for the bed linens, an epilepsy alarm, a fall detector, a door sensor and a GPS location detector.
“We expected these sensors to meet the most common needs of the elderly. They were all off-the-shelf products. This strategy was chosen to explore today’s technology and the challenges associated with adoption of this technology,” explained Lilly Ann Stenvold, a mobile health researcher for Telenor Group.
The project wrapped in 2010, and Telenor is now taking a look at the results
Both the elderly participants and the healthcare providers were questioned following the project regarding the effectiveness of the in-home sensors. In nearly all instances, the respondents said that they gained greater independence and a heightened sense of safety. In addition, the total number of visits from the home healthcare providers declined.
“This pilot project has truly motivated the home healthcare providers and hopefully we will inspire others to take the next step in using of this type of technology,” said Stenvold. “The results from this pilot are now fed into a process where Telenor business opportunities are explored. Telenor partners and other key stakeholders will be invited to clarify their business roles and strategies in the healthcare ecosystem.”