Telecare & Assistive Technology Glossary
1st Generation Telecare
The community alarm system is an example of 1st
generation telecare. These are technically simple systems with no
embedded intelligence and entirely reliant on the user activating
calls. The technology includes pendants, pull cords and speech units to
talk to a monitoring centre.
2nd Generation Telecare
These systems work on the basis of the community alarm system (1st
generation telecare) but also providing some level of intelligence and
automatic detection of limited alert conditions. Alerts are
automatically sent to a monitoring centre (or warden/carer). Example
technology includes fall detectors, flood detectors, smoke detectors,
bed sensors. These types of systems are becoming more widely used in
the formal care sector.
3rd Generation Telecare
Includes the features of 2nd
generation systems and adds additional support capabilities such as
lifestyle reassurance/monitoring and the introduction of virtual
neighbourhoods. These systems, using a variety of sensors in the home,
look for and automatically detect changes in behaviour that
automatically indicate the need for an intervention. Also, includes
interaction, perhaps through video, with support groups, virtual
shopping over the internet and related activities. Some basic 3rd
generation telecare systems are currently commercially available but
there is major research and development work being conducted.
Assistive Technology
'An umbrella term for any device or system that
allows an individual to perform a task they would otherwise be unable
to do or increases the ease and safety with which the task can be
performed'. (Royal Commission on Long-Term Care. With Respect to Old Age: Long Term Care - Rights and Responsibilities. London: HMSO, 1999.)
'Any item, piece of equipment, product or system, whether acquired
commercially, off-the-shelf, modified or customized, that is used to
increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals
with cognitive, physical or communication disabilities'. (Marshall M,
ed. ASTRID, a Guide to Using Technology within Dementia Care. London: Hawker Publications, 2000: 31.)
Community Alarm System
These are systems to help vulnerable or disabled
people stay in their own homes with the security of knowing that they
can call for help in an emergency, such as a fall, or feeling ill, at
any time, even when the telephone is out of reach. Users call for
assistance through activating a pendant alarm button (worn on around
the neck, wrist or waist) or by pulling a pull cord. Alert calls are
received by a monitoring centre (or warden/carer) who may communicate
with the person at home via a speech unit.
Electronic Assistive Technology
Electronic equipment which enables people with a wide
range of impairments to improve their functional abilities and enhance
their independence by facilitating their inclusion in society,
communication, comfort and safety whilst at home, school, work or at
leisure.
Telecare
'The remote or enhanced delivery of health and social
care services to people in their own home by means of
telecommunications and computer-based systems'. (Brownsell S, Bradley
D. Assistive Technology andTelecare - Forging Solutions for Independent Living. Bristol: Policy Press, 2003.)
Telehealth
˜The remote exchange of physiological data between a
patient at home and medical staff at hospital to assist in diagnosis
and monitoring (this could include support for people with lung
function problems, diabetes etc). It includes (amongst other things) a
home unit to measure and monitor temperature, blood pressure and other
vital signs for clinical review at a remote location (for example, a
hospital site) using phone lines or wireless technology.' (World Health
Organisation)
Telemedicine
'The practice of medical care using interactive audio
visual and data communications. This includes the delivery of medical
care, diagnosis, consultation and treatment, as well as health
education and the transfer of medical data.' (World Health
Organisation). Telemedicine is therefore essentially doctor-to-doctor,
with the patient somewhere in the system, and typically involves
consultations with specialists at a distance.