This chapter examines a range of issues emerging from the convergence of multiple technologies that, though they can radically assist and change the face of health and social care delivery, are critically dependent on their gaining acceptance by society to the point that they submerge into the fabric of daily life. The main role of these technologies is to enable an evolutionary transition toward far more effective joined-up services and optimisation of scarce clinical and care resources. Interoperability is central to this spanning multiple levels starting with the full range of human, organisational, sociological and political dialogues; then moving to system and process interaction; and thence to data and information transfers, analysis and manipulation.
Behind all this lies the pressing demographic issue of ageing populations where the types of ’smart’ services discussed will be needed to help the elderly stave off the effects of creeping impairment for as long as possible whilst continuing to maintain an active, healthy and autonomously lifestyle.
Click here for more information.
Abstract
Manning, Bryan; Kun, Luis, Handbook of Digital Homecare, 2009, 5-31, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-01387-4_2
More bibliographic information.
