That looks set to include greater use of telecare and other innovative technologies like use of mobile to support rural community health initiatives, promises the devolved government.
Mark Drakeford, the Assembly′s Minister for Health and Social Services, told the press last week that he has called for a new Welsh ‘eHealth and Care strategy′ to deliver higher quality NHS services for the Principality in “the most effective and efficient way”.
Telecare, for example, will lead to improvements in the way patients can be cared for at home.
The Minister is determined to upgrade Cardiff′s existing health information technology plan to make sure NHS Wales is “ready for the future” and also be in a position to take advantage of the benefits that improved technology and information can offer.
This means patient information has to be accessible, in a secure way, to health professionals where and when it is needed, he claimed
‘Interactive and personal′
Wales has already made some progress in things like support for online booking for GP appointments and electronic referrals for specialist hospital care, but Drakeford wants more, reflecting wider acceptance of technology in Welsh life.
“People now use forums and social media to discuss, share, and solve common problems and to offer their own reviews and opinions,” he pointed out.
As a result, citizens expect health and care providers to offer more interactive, personalised services with effective communication.
Drakeford also sees technology making a contribution to social care, too: “With an increasing ageing population it is essential we enable people to live independently for as long as possible.
“Without this, the health and wellbeing of individuals will be adversely affected,” he warned.
Read Drakeford′s statement in full here.
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Quelle/Source: British Journal of Healthcare Computing, 28.04.2014
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