The focus of DECIDE is on technology-enabled remote monitoring, which involves the use of technology, devices or apps to support patients to actively monitor and manage their health or longterm conditions (e.g. heart failure, COPD), and enables the remote exchange of information, primarily between a patient or service user and a health or care professional, to assist in diagnosing or actively monitoring health or care status or promoting good health and care.

Remote exchange is typically supported by consultations or other interactions (e.g. messaging) that enable sense-making of that information, enabling systematic review and monitoring, accompanied by (where needed) changes in the care being received.

Examples include using apps, personal or medical gadgets (e.g. activity trackers, pulse oximeters, heart monitors) to support active and systematic review and monitoring of health and care; ‘virtual ward services’ to monitor, review and support care at home; smartphones to share and review vital sign readings (e.g. blood pressure) with care providers.