Co-evolving proactive telecare in practice

Aims

To study and inform the implementation of proactive telecare, and draw transferable lessons on the nature of such services and how they can be effectively used and embedded within social care.

Our research team is looking at how sensors in the home and related technologies and equipment can be used by people to support them and to make sure social care services are made aware of care needs in timely ways. In order to understand the role of such technology and services, and how they could be improved, we wish to understand the use and experiences of providing technology supports from the perspective of service providers. 

Why is this important

Technology-enabled care (TEC) is often seen as part of the solution to growing pressures in social care. Telecare—remote monitoring using sensors and personal alarms—has been widely used for decades, but it is largely reactive. Alerts are typically triggered by users (e.g. push-button alarms) or passive systems (e.g. fall detectors), meaning responses usually occur after an incident.

New digital technologies create opportunities for more proactive approaches. These include continuous activity monitoring and regular contact through communication tools, enabling earlier intervention and more personalised support. Proactive telecare may enhance independence for service users and increase system capacity.

However, it also raises concerns about access, quality of care, and integration into existing practice. Despite strong interest, proactive telecare is not yet mainstream, and evidence remains limited on when, how, and for whom it is most effective within social care systems.

Methods

This is a multi-level multiple case study, using mixed-methods combined with action research. At the micro-level, we are working with up to 30 service users and their networks of care to understand how and the extent to which the technology can be adapted and used to address their needs and wishes. At the meso-level, we will use qualitative and quantitative methods to establish the work processes and systems needed to introduce, embed and sustain proactive telecare. At the macro-level, we are exploring the national policy context and wider-system drivers, facilitators and barriers.

Funding

The project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR 209137)