Welcome to the BCS Health Informatics Interactive Care Specialist Group Website

What is Interactive Care?

Interactive Care covers a wide range of applications, including those covered by the terms telemedicine and telecare.

• They can be used to support monitoring, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, terminal care and clinical research.
• Most involve a separation in time and/or place between the provider and the recipient.
• Many enable a redesign of how and where healthcare can be delivered to the benefit of the patients and clinicians and for care pathways to be streamlined.

Diagnostic and Treatment Applications

Some examples of the interactive diagnostic and treatment applications are:

• Video conferencing - MDT meetings in cancer treatment, teleneurology, etc
• Store and forward referrals, such as teledermatology
• Minor Injury Units supported by video links to A&E Departments
• Remote monitoring of vital signs
• Expert systems and NHS Direct
• Diagnostic applications including pathology, radiology and PACS
• A variety of support applications for those with a long term condition such as diabetes.

Home Care and Self Monitoring

Increasingly, technology is also being used in a preventative role to reduce or postpone the need for healthcare and allow citizens to maintain their independence at home for longer (or regain it sooner). Examples in this field include:

• Home monitoring devices
• Alarm call systems and intelligent houses
• Post treatment support by video link or telephone