TELESCOPE

Innovationcenter in Housing for Adapted Movement (IN-HAM), Belgium

In-HAM is a non profit-initiative of a number of partners that are active in relation to the needs of disabled people. Partners group around the Dienstencentrum Gi(d)ts; the BBRI (Belgian Building Research Institute); the BCDI (Belgian Centre for Domotics and Immotics) and IMEC vzw (Interuniversitair Micro-ElectronicaCentrum). A key focus is the interface between elderly and disabled people, the buildings and technologies they use and the supply sector industry. A primary objective is to promote independent living. Importantly In-HAM links with a large number of disabled people (who are registered with the project) and enables them to test technologies. The In-HAM building offers 3 ‘living labs’ where disabled or elderly people can stay for a period. They are, with the benefit of expert advisors (including occupational therapists) able to test the merits of different technologies, sensors and communications devices. These can then be replicated in their own home.

Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Italy

Istituto Auxologico Italiano (Italian Institute for Auxology) is a private non-profit law foundation with a specific mission concerned with developing biomedical research and clinical activity for the study and treatment of endocrinological, metabolic, neurological and cardiovascular disorders. It is also involved in rehabilitation and care in the context of ageing. The Institute has considerable experience in a home monitoring (telehealth) service for patients with cardiovascular diseases and has an interest in developing for home monitoring of obese patients who are on body mass reduction treatment programmes. All the Institute’s work is underpinned by clear clinical protocols and ethical frameworks concerned e.g. with information, data and signal transmission. Their service outreach provides a context to consider the impact of telehealth services.

ApertTech Informatics Ltd., Hungary

Apertech is an IT systems designer for tele-medical and related systems. It was formed from the former research and development department of a large IT corporation. Staff have wide expertise embracing software development, performance monitoring, systems integration, access management, robotics, information management and the use of GPRS. A number of high-tech projects have been implemented by the company. Apertech is currently involved in the development of a wrist worn device for monitoring the wearer's health. Their sister companies Thor Medical Systems and DiaChem provide (respectively) home care appliances and tele-medical gateways involving vital signs monitoring and video consultations; and biochemical testing in the home. Apertech is a regular partner in University led research projects and works with the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, the Semmelweis Medical University of Budapest, and the Szeged University of Medicine.

Telecare Services Association (TSA), United Kingdom

The Telecare Services Association represents the telecare and telehealth industry in the United Kingdom and beyond. It has 341 members from (mainly) the service, supply and commissioner sectors and operates a Code of Practice for Telecare. Telecare developments in the UK have been supported by the government as part of its endeavours to support people at home and to modernise health services. The Code of Practice provides an important benchmark for service standards that is increasingly safeguarding vulnerable people (including those with chronic conditions, at risk of falls, with complex medication regimes, etc. Some 130 organisations are now accredited to the Code (and have been audited in respect of the same). The TSA experience in developing the Code of Practice for Telecare and the exploration of key parameters will be an important reference point for the project. Work towards this Code carried the support of different government agencies in the UK.