telehealthcare times edition 1 2015
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
PLUS
Greater focus neededto realise ‘smart-home’ vision
INDUSTRY CORNER
• Solution spotlight: cost-effective alarm solution for Renaissance village
• Product spotlight: Liberty300 alarm
• Latest news: Smart AT Tour
• Nurse Ruth: assisting clients prone to falls
@tunstallhcare
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Integrating video call technologies into practice
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Telehealthcare THE LATEST TUNSTALL AND TELEHEALTHCARE INDUSTRY NEWS EDITION 1 2015
face to face healthcare a reality for regional australia
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WELCOME......To the first edition of the Tunstall telehealthcare times for 2015
LYN DAVIESManaging Director
This next quarter is shaping up as a busy one for the Tunstall team. We are launching a number of new products to the market including our innovative new alarm, the Liberty300, and two new mobile apps; ICP mymobile and myCareTrack designed to extend our telehealth and lone worker product platforms.
Our team is excited to be exclusively previewing these at Connect Expo, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 21-22 April 2015. The biggest event of its kind in Australia, Connect Show 2015 combines 11 healthcare, business and technology focused summits plus a large-scale exhibition,
showcasing the latest in emerging technologies. I am honoured to be speaking at this event for the second year running, having been invited to participate both in an exciting Future Health Summit panel discussion on best practice technology applications for keeping the patient in the home for longer, and later to present on Tunstall’s experience of telehealth rollouts; the pros, cons and key learnings. The show promises a glimpse into the future of Australian healthcare and if you are interested in attending, Tunstall has secured a 10% discount on the cost of registration for you (page 3).
Tunstall’s community partner, LifeTec Brisbane, are also preparing to present a road show of Smart Assistive Technology (AT) workshop events across Queensland this quarter. Free to attend, and specifically designed as hands-on workshops offering a higher-level understanding of Smart AT for service staff and managers, the workshops can help to develop confidence and direction for implementing Smart AT within your service. They have been funded by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, and local assistive technology developers and distributors, including Tunstall, will take-part to help enhance participants understanding of Smart AT using local examples and case studies. Register your seat now (page 4).
LifeTec Brisbane Digital Strategy Transition Officer Desleigh de Jonge has also provided us with a guest article in this edition, explaining how their services are now successfully integrating video call technologies into practice (page 10).
We share a solution spotlight on Renaissance Retirement Living Victoria Point, detailing how their switch to a Tunstall alarm solution has helped to provide peace of mind to their residents (page 6). I recap my recent discussion with Australian Ageing Agenda magazine on why Australia isn’t as far ahead with assistive technology as we could be, and New Zealand General Manager Stephen Murray talks about how telehealth technologies are soon set to make waves in New Zealand (page 14). There are also some top tips from Nurse Ruth on assisting your clients prone to falls (page 12) and we hear from Telehealthcare Consultant Warren on how to install a Tunstall epilepsy sensor to correctly detect a seizure (page 16).
WELCOME
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LATEST NEWS
mymobile telehealth applicationThe Tunstall mymobile telehealth application is a platform extension of the Tunstall myclinic telehealth solution. The mymobile application has been developed to enable a consistent mobile interface for myclinic patients and clinicians. Fully supported by Tunstall’s flagship integrated care platform (ICP), the application allows remote management of the patient’s individual care plan, vital sign data, health interviews and triage processes.
• Automatic data synchronisation - updates with Tunstall’s ICP platform in real time for accurate data display.
• Mobile friendly format - patient information is displayed in a clear, easy to read format.
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) - supported application for iOS, Android and Windows platforms.
The Tunstall mymobile telehealth application is set for release mid-2015.
#ComingSoon NEW
New appointmentCongratulations to Tunstall Australasia’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) Geoff Feakes, recently chosen by Tunstall Group to take up a wider appointment as Tunstall Group Interim CIO.
Geoff will work closely with Tunstall territory IT managers from around the globe to better coordinate IT practices across Tunstall’s 50+ countries of operation.
#GroupCIO
Tunstall’s Brisbane office recently farewelled staff member Di Stephens, who after seven years of service with Tunstall Australasia is now retiring. Di is looking forward to spending some quality time with her grandchildren.
Happy retirement
Preview the mymobile app at Connect Expo, 21-22 April 2015, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Register as a delegate before 20 March using discount code: TSL, to recieve a 10% discount
Life Changing, Life Saving 3
LATEST NEWS
Smart AT Workshop Series #SmartATQLD
Building on the 2014 Smart Assistive Technology (AT) information sessions supported by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, Tunstall’s community partner LifeTec Brisbane have once again been engaged to provide free workshops across Queensland in 2015. The workshops will inform service providers how Smart AT can be used in service delivery to assist client outcomes and service provider efficiency.
The workshops, scheduled across March-July 2015, are aimed at service managers and staff and will clearly define Smart AT and its application in a ‘hands on’ format using local examples and case studies.
Service providers will gain a clear understanding of Smart AT applications, developing confidence and direction for implementing Smart AT in their service.
Tunstall representatives will be in attendance to support the workshop sessions, with Tunstall staff invited to present on the key considerations for ensuring a successful Smart AT service implementation.
For further information on upcoming workshop sessions and dates in your local area contact LifeTec on 1800 885 886 or visit:
www.lifetec.org.au/smart-at-workshops
www.lifetec.org.au/smart-at-workshops
Fundraising screening #StillAlice
Tunstall’s community partner, Adssi Home Living recently hosted a fundraising screening of the newly acclaimed film ‘Still Alice’ at Event Cinemas, Tuggerah NSW.
The event raised awareness and funds for early onset dementia, with all proceeds going to Adssi Home Living Australia’s preventative health and wellbeing programs.
Representatives from Alzheimer’s Australia and Tunstall Healthcare were invited to provide short information presentations to the audience prior to the screening.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Liberty300
Freedom to live your life
Introducing the Liberty300, Tunstall’s first home alarm unit with an integral 3G GSM module, enabling it to be used on both a mobile phone network and traditional landline.
The Liberty300 is Tunstall’s first tri-connection home medical alarm unit. With connection options via mobile 3G GSM/GPRS, traditional POTS and optional Ethernet, it is our most technically advanced and flexible base medical alarm.
With both GSM and POTS technology, the Liberty300 provides users with greater reliability and
connectivity support, enabling connection to a mobile GSM network as well as traditional phone line, along with the optional Ethernet interface for data.
Contact your Tunstall Account Manager for further information or to arrange a demonstration.
View the product solution page at: www.tunstallhealthcare.com.au/solutions/Liberty300
Life Changing, Life Saving 5
Retirement village solution
Flexible alarm solution offers new confidence for village residents
Located on 18 hectares in the heart of Redland City, Renaissance Retirement Living offers residents a luxurious lifestyle with breathtaking community facilities including an indoor heated pool, croquet court and bowling green.
Unhappy with their existing out-dated emergency monitoring system, General Manager Andrew Carins looked to Tunstall for an innovative new solution that would provide his residents with a flexible and reliable care service.
The changeover process
In a staged approach, Tunstall medical alarms have been installed in almost 200 of the 350 villas to-date. Designed as plug-and-play technology, Tunstall’s range of alarms allowed for a simplified installation process, ensuring a cost-effective transition.
“We’re just over the half-way mark with our transition to the new Tunstall solution, and both management and residents are really happy with the change to-date,” says Mr Carins.
With 350 villas and home to over 500 residents, Renaissance Retirement Living, Victoria Point prides itself on providing a complete range of living and care services for all residents.
SOLUTION SPOTLIGHT
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SOLUTION SPOTLIGHT
With immediate pendant activation and the reassurance of Tunstall’s trained response operators on-hand 24/7, the Tunstall alarm solution allows residents’ to maintain independence in their homes for longer than they otherwise may be able to. Residents with traditional telephone line connections had a Tunstall ConnectMe alarm installed, with a mobile GSM solution offered for residents without a phone line. When activated, the alarm sends an immediate alert through to Tunstall’s 24 hour monitoring centre, providing residents with a personalised response.
A new found confidence
“We had little confidence in the old emergency alarm system, so having the new Tunstall system installed has provided management and residents with a renewed peace of mind; it’s a real improvement,” says Mr Carins.
“We’ve been using the solution for six months now; it has been very reliable and addressed all the issues that we previously had,” he says.
Mr Carins is quick to point out that the retirement villa industry is moving fast, with a rapidly increasing need for extra care in villages requiring more technological support.
With up to 35 trigger inputs to the ConnectMe alarm, he is excited to add more smart home sensors to the alarms, utilising the
latest technology to offer his residents extra reassurance and a point-of-difference for the Village.
Ongoing support
Tunstall provided an ongoing and supportive consultation process, engaging village management, the resident committee and village residents to ensure confidence in the chosen telecare solution.
Throughout the transition village residents have been encouraged to place regular test calls to the Tunstall response centre in order to get familiar with the equipment and the service. That way, in the event of an emergency they will know exactly what to do, and have peace of mind they will get the best response possible.
DESIGNED AS PLUG-AND-PLAY TECHNOLOGY, A TUNSTALL ALARM SOLUTION PROVIDED RENAISSANCE RETIREMENT LIVING VICTORIA POINT WITH A SIMPLIFIED INSTALLATION PROCESS, REDUCING ROLLOUT COSTS AND ENSURING A COST-EFFECTIVE TRANSITION.
For further information on Tunstall Healthcare retirement village solutions, contact 1800 603 377 or visit www.tunstallhealthcare.com.au
www.renaissancerl.com.au
Life Changing, Life Saving 7
Lyn Davies; Managing Director
Greater focus needed to realise‘smart- home’ vision
INDUSTRY CORNER
Currently in Australia there are around 300,000 people utilising assistive technology via a personal medical alarm service, with over 200,000 of those supported by a 24-hour response service. These services unobtrusively monitor risks to safety in the home, assisting people to maintain their independence in their own home for longer than they otherwise may be able to. The central hub of Tunstall’s telecare offering is the personal medical alarm used to make contact with our 24-hour monitoring centre and interfaced with a range of sensor devices to monitor the home environment. Our telecare sensors cover a range of solutions for falls, dementia, epilepsy, physical and cognitive disabilities, hearing impairments and carers.
By 2028 for the first time in Australia’s history, there will be more people over the age of 60 than under of the age
of 20 (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
With an increasing population and decreasing tax base, enhancing care through assistive technology will greatly improve the reach of our community services. To ensure this widespread adoption is possible an increase in the number and flexibility of funding packages is required, including the introduction of co-payment arrangements.
Within the areas of community care, retirement villages and healthcare providers, these services are well-known and used to enhance care services to help people remain independent in their own homes. However, these services are not necessarily well-known within the private sector.
With a shift to consumer directed care, a focus needs to be places on improving
Since demonstration sites appeared locally almost a decade ago, the potential for smart home technologies to support Australia’s growing older population has been evident. Yet the widespread take-up of these technologies remains patchy.
Keep up with the latest
industry news.Follow Tunstall
on Twitter:@tunstallhcare
Source: Australian Ageing Agenda, “Debate: Why aren’t we further ahead with assistive technology?”, February 2015
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awareness and understanding of assistive technology solutions for consumers. Government campaigns promoting wellness and independence in the home will also help to drive uptake. Industry also needs to drive affordable solutions and there needs to be a continued focus on product development that caters for individual needs.
For many years, Tunstall has been working very closely with the community care sector, government, and not-for-profit organisations to create awareness and understanding of these services. We have developed products and services to meet the needs of the consumer and continue to invest more than four per cent of revenue into research and development to meet the needs of an ever growing market place.
In 2010, Tunstall, along with a consortium of organisations set up the Queensland Smart Home Initiative (QSHI) to educate the community and encourage the adoption of assistive technology for older people, people with special or ongoing needs, and people managing chronic conditions.
The aim of the QSHI was to advance the adoption of intelligent assistive technologies and smart homes, to encourage and support independent living, access to care, improved outcomes and reduced costs.
QSHI was funded by LifeTec, Tunstall Healthcare, Queensland Health and the Home and Community Care program in Queensland. Located in Brisbane and Townsville, visitors can see, touch and trial an extensive range of telehealthcare products.
To bring about mainstream proliferation of assistive technologies, we’re looking to government to add these services to the procurement list of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. We’re also looking for a Medicare item to cover telecare and telehealth services and an e-health record that links information from these services to a centralised system.
Lastly, and more importantly, there needs to be a focus on ensuring standards and guidelines for the delivery of telehealthcare services are developed and implemented to ensure the safety of consumers.
“With a shift to consumer directed care, a focus needs to be places on improving awareness and understanding of assistive technology solutions for consumers. Government campaigns promoting wellness and independence in the home will also help to drive uptake. Industry also needs to drive affordable solutions and there needs to be a continued focus on product development that caters for individual needs.”
Read the full debate at: www.australianageingagenda.com.au
INDUSTRY CORNER
LifeTec is now providing information and advice on assistive technologies and home modification at point-of-care, through the use of video call technologies.
Over the last five years LifeTec, a specialist Queensland information and advisory service, has been using mainstream web-based and portable video call technologies to promote best practice in selecting and implementing assistive technology and home modifications. These innovative technologies have enabled LifeTec to extend services equitably across the State and respond quickly to requests for information and advice.
LifeTec’s telehealth services have grown steadily since 2008 when store and forward technologies were used to support home modifications in Far West Queensland. In 2010, the service began to be provided in ‘real time’ using video call technologies. Online education was established
2011 and LifeTec continues to host a range of webinars on various assistive technologies and their application. Since 2012, LifeTec has been working to transition business operations to the cloud, affording greater efficiencies, flexibility and mobility to the service and its employees. Recognising the potential of telehealth to increase the reach of its services and improve the timeliness and convenience of access for clients and service providers alike, LifeTec sought to integrate telehealth into all aspects of service delivery in 2013. LifeTec now provides education, expert advice and support across the state utilising various technology innovations. The capacity of these technologies are demonstrated by LifeTec staff out and about at community presentations and on outreach through LifeTec’s back-to-base display tours, where the video call technology is used to show people around the Brisbane based display centre. LifeTec’s YouTube channel also
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Integrating video call technologies into practiceWritten by Desleigh de Jonge, Digital Transition Strategy Development Officer, LifeTec
10 Telehealthcare Times
Integrating video call technologies into practice
provides ready access to a host of informative videos about assistive technology.
October 2014 saw the extension of the existing phone inquiry service to include the Skype inquiry service which allows LifeTec to communicate face-to-face with clients and see the difficulties they are experiencing, step them through online information resources and computer access facilities using screen-share, walk them through the display and demonstrate various assistive technologies. LifeTec is also collaborating with other services, such as pharmacies and in home support services, to provide information and advice over video call technology to people seeking solutions to everyday difficulties.
The successes and failures experienced through integrating these exciting but challenging technologies into their service has provided LifeTec with valuable experience that they are now keen to share with other organisations looking to utilise telehealth technologies. Whilst success is dependent on effective and reliable technology, it is also critical to build practitioner capacity to translate face-to-face events into remote modes
of delivery. This requires practitioners to learn new ways to develop relationships and gather and present information. It requires a deep understanding of the goals of the education or service event, a dedication to working through the technical challenges, capacity to support the person at the other end to make best use of the event and an ability to share expertise and empower the client.
LifeTec is a leading provider of professional education and training on assistive technology. LifeTec’s health professionals have a high level of clinical knowledge and experience and regularly run workshops for health professionals, community care workers and individuals interested in the applications of assistive technologies.
Most recently LifeTec has been engaged by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services to provide free ‘Smart Assistive Technology’ workshops across Queensland. The workshops are aimed at informing service providers about how Smart AT can assist client outcomes and service efficiencies.
Assistive technology is a device or system used to support continued engagement inactivities. It includes low-tech options used by many people as they age such as walking sticks, modified gardening tools and magnifying devices as well as high-tech devices used by people with significant impairments such as communication devices, alternative computer access and environmental controls. The growing number, range and sophistication of these technologies make it difficult for service providers to keep abreast of developments and provide effective support to clients in selecting and implementing these technologies.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Life Changing, Life Saving 11
NURSE RUTH
Falls in and out of the home are incredibly common in Australia, with around 30 per cent of Australians over the age of 65 experiencing at least one per year 1.
Risk factors that contribute to falls can be both patient specific or environmental. Patient specific risks may include age, low blood pressure, vitamin D deficiency, epilepsy and various medications. Environmental risks may include obstacles, uneven surfaces or tripping hazards in the home.
The fear of falling is a significant contributing factor in the loss of independence and quality of life. In many cases, the following actions can help to reassure your client and increase their confidence level.
Assisting clients prone to falls
For those at risk of falls the following advice is recommended:
1Visit your GP. A doctor will complete a detailed falls history, medication review and risk factor assessment.
2Participate in regular exercise. Sedentary behaviour is a risk factor for falls. Regular physical activity helps to maintain mobility, balance, muscle strength and reaction time, in turn increasing a person’s stability and reducing their falls risk.
3Consider a vitamin D supplement. Studies show that patients with vitamin D deficiences are at a higher risks of falls. A GP may recommend a daily supplement.
4Arrange an in-home assessment. An occupational therapist can complete a professional risk assessment. They may provide recomendations as to necessary home modifications or suitable assistive technology products to improve in-home safety.
5Research assistive technology solutions. While preventing falls with a healthy diet, physical activity and safe environment are recommended as a first line of action, Tunstall also offers supporting technology that can detect a fall and reduce the risks associated with falling. Tunstall also offers tools to support carers of people who are at risk of falls.
1 Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society
by Nurse Ruth
TOP TIPS
For assistance in creating a falls management package please call Tunstall on 1800 611 528.
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Calendar of events
21-22
Connect ExpoMelbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne VIC
23-24
Australian Telehealth ConferenceSwissotel, Sydney NSW
Industry events not to be missed. Tunstall is involved at the following events. We invite you to visit us at and learn more about our products and services.
April
May
05 Smart AT tour workshopBundaberg QLD
07 Smart AT tour workshopHervey Bay QLD
17 Smart AT tour workshopSunshine CoastMaroochy RSL, Maroochydore QLD
19 Smart AT tour workshopGympieGympie Civic Centre, Gympie QLD
March
24 Smart AT tour workshopBrisbane SouthEasts Leagues Club, Brisbane QLD
26 Smart AT tour workshopGold CoastSharks Events CentreGold Coast QLD
30 Smart AT tour workshopBrisbane North, Kedron Wavell RSLBrisbane QLD
07-08
National Service Integrated Housing ConferenceMarriott Resort Surfers Paradise,Gold Coast QLD
12 Smart AT tour workshopWarwick QLD
14 Smart AT tour workshopGoondiwindi QLD
21 Smart AT tour workshopToowoomba QLD
Life Changing, Life Saving 13
NZ FOCUS
A matter of time:
Globally, telehealth is working and it’s working well. Areas like Australia, the United Kingdom and parts of Europe are prime examples of how an effective telehealthcare model can improve patient wellbeing and reduce healthcare costs, and it’s just a matter of time before New Zealand catches up.
On the radarTelehealth is already being used in some way by most District Health Board’s (DHBs) around the country. The National Health IT Board believes telehealth will underpin changes in the way healthcare is delivered to the public, and the Government has committed to increasing its use. However, more could be done to ensure the right technologies and systems are used appropriately and effectively so that the best possible care is delivered for patients, while remaining cost effective for the economy.
There is still a lack of understanding on what telehealth is and its potential in this country, which means a massive amount of education needs to occur to show providers and patients how much these systems could benefit healthcare in New Zealand. As providers, it is our responsibility to be involved in this education.
Continuing careOne of the major differences between our telehealth model and those around the world is the way in which telehealth is used. Currently, many of New Zealand’s DHBs are using technology to improve service, rather than driving continuing care for patients. In Australia, telehealth is largely used as part of the care continuum and while we’re a long way from that right now, it is absolutely something that is within our sight.
Telehealth’s imminent impact on New Zealand
14 Telehealthcare Times
NZ FOCUS
Proven resultsTelehealth has been proven to be effective all over the world. In the long term, it can reduce mortality and emergency admission rates, according to a 2012 study published in The British Medical Journal. In the short term, I have seen first-hand how it can make vast improvements to patients’ lives.
One story I can think of was about a woman who had diabetes and was getting four insulin shots a day. Thanks to telehealth, she’s now down to one and has a much better understanding of how to manage her illness.
In essence, that is what telehealth is all about - giving patients the tools to monitor their conditions and seek further medical assistance when necessary. There is a cost saving element too, with telehealth, patients are reducing the time and money spent travelling to doctor’s appointments and being away from work, and also reducing their strain on the public health system.
The successful integration of telehealth into the mainstream delivery of care is something to aspire to, particularly in areas with rural communities. For instance, a diabetes nurse might travel for hours in a car to visit rural patients, but for many of those she visits patients won’t need immediate care and will simply have their vital signs checked. The nurse
may get through as many as 18 people a day, whereas with telehealth, hundreds of people can be monitored per day with real-time data. This means the nurse only needs to visit these areas when someone needs immediate care, leading to better efficiency and cost savings.
The right systemsWhile DHBs are on the right track in dedicating staff and systems to telehealth, many of them are adapting existing technologies such as Skype for medical and clinical purposes rather than implementing specialist products with specifically designed capabilities. Video conferencing as a supportive tool is undoubtedly useful, but without being combined with telemedical peripheral devices, tailored care software and clinically triaged care, patients miss out on many of the benefits. Clinical monitoring of a patient’s vital signs provides continuing health trend data and is required in addition to video conferencing to give health professionals a clear history of symptoms and wellbeing.
In essenceExisting evidence shows that telehealth is a cost effective way of delivering more care to a greater number of people. We are on track, but there are still steps to take to better the state of healthcare in New Zealand.
Stephen Murray, General Manager New Zealand and Asia Pacific Business Development Manager
Life Changing, Life Saving 15
Strive for excellence Make a difference Innovative and Agile Listen and Understand Everybody Matters
“In my role at Tunstall, I help our clients find the best telehealthcare solutions to suits their individual needs. It’s a good feeling to know that my day-to-day interactions are helping to make a real difference to a person’s quality of life”
Our brand values and goals are critical to the success of both the products and services we provide, and need to be embraced and communicated positively by everyone who is a part of Tunstall.
This edition, Susan Battams, Sales Administrator shares with us what makes her SMILE about working for Tunstall...
What makes you SMILE ?
Susan Battams, Sales Administrator
askWarren #TunstallTech
Warren Duce
Telehealthcare Consultant
Tunstall Healthcare
Warren, our Telehealthcare Consultant, is one of Tunstall’s longest serving employees, sharing his years of Tunstall wisdom by providing training and support to our customers and installers.
<Q.> Who is Tunstall’s epilepsy sensor mat suitable for?
<A> Our epilepsy sensor mat is an ideal solution for any household or other living environment in which someone living with epilepsy resides. It allows those with the condition and their carers to sleep knowing they will receive immediate assistance if they experience a seizure in the night.
Have a question for Warren? Email: [email protected]
<Q.> How do you correctly install the sensor mat to detect a seisure?
<A> To install the epilepsy sensor mat, position it crosswise on the bed underneath the mattress cover (if the mattress is spring-loaded) or beneath the mattress itself (if it is foam). The sensor must be positioned below the user’s chest on the bed, and it needs to be secure so as not to move after it has been installed. Once installed, use the controller to calibrate the sensor specific to the user, then test the sensor by rapidly tapping on the mat until it emits an audible tone and raises an alarm to the monitoring centre.
TUNSTALL TALK
Life Changing, Life Saving
Tunstall Healthcare1/56 Lavarack Ave
Eagle Farm QLD 40091800 603 377
www.tunstallhealthcare.com.au
Tunstall New Zealand306 Cameron Rd
Tauranga 31100800 488 678
www.tunstall.co.nz