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Telehealth

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jdthatch12
jdthatch12

I was recently diagnosed with COPD but my GP has not mentioned telehealth. I have been reading a lot about it at the moment, does anybody know how I can get it or how you qualify? Does it work?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • LauraM
    LauraM

    Posted

    Hi JD,

    My father has just been diagnosed with COPD too though his doctor DID recommend telehealth. There's some information on the Department of Health website & a good article here on Pulse.

    http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/newsarticle-content/-/article_display_list/13154324/telemedicine-could-reduce-mortality-by-45

    I've done quite a bit of research on-line and it seems a good way to go, not least as the results of initial trials have been very positive (a 46% reduction in mortality rates can you believe it!).

    What I'm trying looking for though is to make contact with someone who's actually using this system. I see you posted around a month ago - I don't suppose you are using it now??

    Many thanks,

    Laurax

  • Van
    Van

    Posted

    Hi Laura

    If your doctor has recommended telehealth to your father then he is the one to approach on the subject as he should be able to set your father up with the system. However I am surprised that he has only just been diagnosed if he is at so severe a stage as to qualify for this.

    At a recent conference I asked a speaker responsible for overseeing the rollout of telecare in my region what the qualifying criteria would be. She replied that it would be made available to those considered near end of life, those in the severe / very severe categories that had had four or more hospitalisations in the past twelve months or those with very severe or unstable copd living in isolated rural areas. As for the much bandied about 46% reduction in mortality rates - figures are premature to say the least. Doctors have asked the politicians and private IT companies touting these figures for proof of their source and accuracy - but such proof seems sadly lacking.

    I do hope your father has come to terms with his recent diagnosis and has educated himself re self care etc. Wishing you all the best, n.

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