Telehealth May Help Make Pregnancies Safer

Pregnant women at risk of complications could be given an iPad-like device to help nurses and doctors monitor their condition – from anywhere in the world.

The ‘HomePod’ lets patients measure vital signs, take questionnaires about their symptoms and send the results to a nurse, though they may be miles apart.

It means clinicians can detect and treat problems before they demand a hospital visit – or worse.

Women who are at high-risk of preeclampsia and other complications could be given a HomePod to report on their blood pressure, microalbuminuria and more.

By keeping users at home and out of hospital, it can improve care for patients while reducing costs for the NHS.

We estimate 30 devices could save £100,000 a year in acute care costs if each ‘Pod prevents one admission per user.

Jeremy Cummin, Executive Chairman of Telehealth Solutions enthused, ‘telehealth can improve so many aspects of care, from disease management to public health.

‘The only thing limiting its utility is our ability to think of new ways we can use this technology to benefit patients and service providers.

‘We need to reduce costs by improving the quality of care, and telehealth is the way to do it’

‘We could use telehealth to bring an unprecedented level of safety and security to both mother and child during pregnancy.

‘It isn’t about the cost saving or the efficiency gains, but seeing better outcomes and saving more lives – that’s why we need this.

Posted on Thursday, 23 December 2010 under Home Pod