Telehealth technologies can reduce mortality, hospital admissions, the number of bed days spent in hospital and the time spent in A&E, according to the initial findings of a study by the Department of Health (DH).
Early indications have shown that, if used properly telehealth – a term for electronic sensors or equipment that monitors vital health signs remotely in a patient's home, or while on the move – can deliver a 15% reduction in A&E visits and, say the DH, a 45% reduction in deaths of those with long term conditions, such as diabetes or heart failure.
According to the findings, telehealth could reduce emergency admissions by 20%, elective admissions and bed days by 14%, and a reduction in tariff costs of 8%.
The department's claims are based on the finding its whole system demonstrator programme, which was launched in May 2008 to show what telehealth and telecare were capable of and provide evidence to support investment decisions.
"The programme was one of the most complex trials ever undertaken by the DH and will continue to provide useful information as the analysis continues, in particular we await the final results for telecare," the department says.
"But we want to share the telehealth headlines now, to help as many people as possible, as early as possible."
About 3 million people with long-term health conditions and social care needs could benefit from telehealth or telecare technologies, such as sensors at home which enable people to remain safe and live independently for longer.
The department believes the key is to integrate these technologies into the care and services.
"Going forward this evidence gives us confidence that we can transform the way services are delivered and ensure that we use appropriate technology to put people at the centre, and in control," says the department.
The WSD programme involves 238 GP practices and nearly 6,200 patients across three sites in Newham, Kent and Cornwall.
More than 30,000 people with either diabetes, heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included in the telehealth trial.