If you know what telehealth and telecare are you’re in a minority -  9 out of 10 adults haven't even heard of them, according to one survey. Yet these services are an integral part of the UK government's healthcare policies for the near future.

So what is it all about? In a nutshell, telehealth involves patients taking their own pulse, temperature, blood pressure/oxygen readings then sending in the data to their GP using a touchscreen device resembling a large tablet computer or set-top TV box. This means healthcare providers can keep a check on people's health from their home rather than at periodic visits to the GP or the hospital, which is particularly convenient for older and more vulnerable individuals who would otherwise have to make repeat visits to healthcare services for routine checks.

Telecare involves closer monitoring of patients than telehealth. Devices such as motion sensors can be installed to detect movement and notify family members when an individual leaves the house, and pressure sensors on beds can ensure patients are getting adequate rest. A common telecare device is a pendant with a panic button that connects to a 24-hour response centre which can offer direct support and notify family or the appropriate health services if necessary.  This makes it especially suitable for people with ongoing difficulties who would benefit from more extensive, round-the-clock monitoring.

Telehealth and telecare have been around in  for a number of years, particularly in the US, and have proven successful and popular with patients. The UK government is committed to extending these services over the next few years through its “3millionlives" campaign, which aims to roll out the technology to patients in England with serious long-term conditions such as diabetes, COPD and heart disease. The Scottish Government is also running its own project.

The benefits to patients are clear – better management over their health, fewer stressful and disruptive hospital admissions, and peace of mind knowing that healthcare professionals are on immediate standby should anything out of the ordinary crop up.

 Do you have any thoughts or firsthand experiences of telehealth or telecare? Do you share the government's enthusiasm for telecare?

For more information about telehealth and telecare services contact your local authority.

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[Photo credits: NHS DORSET; RUSS DILLINGHAM/SUN JOURNAL]