PCT
A number of Primary Care
Trusts are interested in the potential for SmartAssist to aid
the implementation of the prevention agenda. A US study undertaken
by Prof William Mann et al (1) demonstrated the benefit of using
equipment to reduce 'whole system costs' through prevention by
around £8000 per person per year (this evidence was accepted by the
Audit Commission in England). Statistics collected from the use of
SmartAssist show that around 10% of older people undertaking supported
self-assessments would benefit from a medical
consultation/intervention. Triggers have been embedded by the
professional 'clinical reasoning' panels to offer people
appropriate signposting under these circumstances.
Some PCTs are willing to co-fund the provision of SmartAssist in
their area on the basis of its impact on the prevention agenda.
(1) Effectiveness of Assistive Technology and Environmental
Interventions in Maintaining Independence and Reducing Home Care
Costs for the Frail Elderly - A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: William C. Mann, OTR, PhD; Kenneth J. Ottenbacher, OTR,
PhD; Linda Fraas, OTR, MA; Machiko Tomita, PhD; Carl V. Granger, MD
Published in: Archives of Family Medicine. 1999;8:210-217
Email this page
Subscribe to our Newsletter
