Archive for June, 2005

The Methuselah Mouse

Sunday, June 12th, 2005

The Methuselah Mouse Prize site (http://www.mprize.org/): one for the academics – or anyone interested in the ‘fight against aging’. We picked up the link because of this article: ‘The reliability-engineering approach to understanding aging is based on ideas, methods, and models borrowed from reliability theory. Developed in the late 1950s to describe the failure and aging of complex electrical and electronic equipment, reliability theory … is so general in scope that it can be applied to understanding aging in living organisms as well. In reliability theory, aging is defined through the increased risk of failure.’

So, by definition, we are more likely to fail as we get older?Mmmm…

Pace sees opportunities in home healthcare

Sunday, June 12th, 2005

Pace Micro Technology, the largest maker of digital TV boxes in Europe, is considering a move into healthcare to reduce its exposure to the low-margin set-top box market. Pace has explored the possibility of developing security products for homes and businesses but sees more opportunities in home healthcare. Clikck here to read more.

The future of telecare with the cellphone industry?

Sunday, June 12th, 2005

The changing face of mobile phone technology has implications for telecare. This article sets the context. To quote two examples from it: Orange and the French unit of Securitas, the big Swedish security company, have developed a home-alarm system that uses Orange’s GSM/GPRS network to send black and white pictures to security personnel as soon as a security breach is detected. Orange is also working with another company on wearable, GPRS-based systems for patients at risk of heart attack that can detect abnormal heart rhythms and send data to a hospital, where a doctor would call a patient in if cardiac arrest seemed imminent. Read more.

ADT Quietcare ‘answered a prayer’

Sunday, June 12th, 2005

Virginia Murley, nearly blind, lives in a senior apartment in Mesquite, Texas. When she turned down the temperature control on her thermostat by accident, she couldn’t see well enough to fix it. She huddled under an electric blanket as the apartment’s temperature dropped…

If you want a ‘win the hearts’ argument for using telecare, it’s here. The article includes a brief round-up of some other interesting technologies. Definitely worth a read.

Telemedicine/telecare not always welcomed

Sunday, June 12th, 2005

In the US, the Veterans Administration is a leader in telemedicine and telecare systems, but its plans are not always welcomed. Here’s a view from Poplar Bluff in Missouri.

Welsh telemedicine in great shape, says First Minister

Sunday, June 12th, 2005

Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan, has lent his support to the use of telemedicine within the country, saying that it has had great benefits for NHS Wales. Speaking before the seventh summit of the British Irish Council on the Isle of Man, which focused on the benefits of telemedicine, Morgan said: “Wales has a remarkable story to tell in this area. We have been at the forefront of telemedicine development in the UK for a number of years.” Read more.

Seattle talks to passing blind people

Sunday, June 12th, 2005

Thought provoking, with implications for the way telecare technology could go… Some cafes and retail stores in Seattle are begining to market products and services to passers-by using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The first target group is visually and hearing-impaired individuals who can benefit from positioning and navigation applications added to the system. Click here to read more.

Long Distance Caregiver Issues and Concerns

Sunday, June 12th, 2005

An article from Elder Options of Texas, whose ’10 signs your aging parent needs help’ is referenced from our ‘Telecare for you’ webpage. This has good advice for people who live away from parents. Click here to read more.

£80m Preventative Technology Grant

Sunday, June 12th, 2005

Local Authorities and their PCT partners can initiate a transformation in the design and delivery of health and social care services and prevention strategies by using the Government’s £80m Preventative Technologies Grant (PTG) funding to deploy innovative telecare technology to enhance and maintain the well being, self-esteem and independence of individuals. Another Tunstall press release (17 May) from our archive of recent news items, anticipating the Preventative Technologies Grant. Read more.

Government Challenged to Act on Secure Data Sharing

Sunday, June 12th, 2005

The complicated issue of sharing personal data between care services in the various sectors is one of which everyone involved in telecare – where ‘whole systems’ approaches are strongly encouraged – must be aware. This story sets the scene.