Health services

Tender description

This tender is for the provision of Technology Enabled Care Services covering a variety of products and services The framework aims to deliver emphasis on outcomes to allow flexibility for service development at local level, increased service user orientation and an integrated approach to service delivery. Tenderers are expected to provide suitable products and/or services that can offer value for money and help drive efficient and effective ways of working within the following lots: — Lot 1 — Electronic Assistive Technologies (For use in Health and Social Care). — Lot 2 — Alarm Technologies and Services. — Lot 3 — Continuous Monitoring Services. — Lot 4- Schedule Remote and On Demand Services. An Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT) service under this lot would provide environmental control systems and alternative means of computer access for persons with complex disabilities or frailties in the community. Environmental control systems enable persons with complex disabilities and/or frailties to have control over a range of appliances installed around their home. Using their most reliable method of access (e.g. direct touch, switches, voice activation, eye gaze), users operate a central controller which generally outputs infrared, but can sometimes also utilise radio frequency codes, to access a range of peripheral devices. Many users presented with some of the most complex physical disabilities, with perhaps only one reliable movement. However, an environmental control system enables them to independently carry out a variety of activities. In general these systems can offer access to the following areas of function: — Leisure: Devices such as a television, sound systems, Hi-Fis, computer access etc. — Communication: intercom systems, hands-free telephones. A number of controllers are also able to output speech, either through access to a number of phrases or an accessible keyboard, for those with communication difficulties. — Comfort: radio controlled radiator valves, infrared light switches, control of the position of a chair or bed, curtain and blind control, and mains operation for devices such as lamps, fans, or heaters. — Security: pagers or call alarms, remote access to door openers, door release mechanisms. In addition to providing a degree of independence for the user, these systems can also provide support for the family or carers as they are no longer solely responsible for ensuring the comfort of the patient. In some instances it can give additional confidence to enable a carer to leave the house for short periods of time without having to worry, as if anything happens the person at home can seek help immediately. This could also be classified as Person Centred Technology (PCT) which can be defined as including electronic assistive and supportive technologies e.g. voice prompts, bath sensors, shutting down of equipment to prevent hazards etc. Electronic Assistive Technology helps people who are limited by severe physical impairment to operate equipment around the home. Provision typically addresses the following areas: — Home security. — Communications within the home and with the wider world. — Comfort and control of environment. — Control of home entertainment equipment. Products and services positioned for people who require external support (e.g. housing services, social care, and/or health services) to keep living independently or those who support and care for them. Users include those with physical or learning disabilities, mental health problems, the frail and older people, children, young adults or people who may have dementia or epileptic seizures. Telecare is a combination of alarms and sensors linked to a communications device to enable remote monitoring. This cover includes but is not limited: Base Unit, Personal Alarms, Home or personal health sensors, Activity Monitors, Bed or chair occupancy sensor, Bogus caller button, Carbon Monoxide Monitors, Epilepsy Sensors, Fall Detectors, Fire or smoke alarms, Flood detectors, Gas shut off valves, Incontinence Sensors, Medication management, Property exit sensors, Temperature extremes This Lot also provides the assistive services that support any alerts received from sensors placed in the home or community so that reactive maintenance can be provided and the appropriate service (Blue Light) can be notified in the event of a serious incident. This Lot includes but is not limited to the provision of measuring devices, data. To supply products and services for the purpose of regular monitoring of vital signs to detect unusual activity before the situation becomes critical. Products and services supplied under this lot will be aimed at helping people manage their short or long term health conditions in a community or medical environment, e.g. those with long term conditions such as diabetes, stroke and heart failure, or short term surveillance as part of post-operative care in a supported early discharge service. The scope of this lot covers remote monitoring (hardware and software) and services. For example: — Blood glucose / blood pressure / body mass index (BMI) and cardiac arrhythmia monitors; electrocardiogram (ECG); medication reminder systems; pulse oxiometers; spirometers; personal temperature monitors; personal weighing scales, etc. — Home hubs and other personal application hosting and communications devices e.g. set top boxes, personal computers with internet connection and smart phones. — Licenses and content for activity monitoring products, vital signs monitoring products and wearable devices. — Peripheral medical devices where required. — Associated software to support interoperability, software updates, network connectivity. Typical Care Settings: — Primary care e.g. to assist with self-care and enable triaged access to primary care; for those with complex LTCs and regular unplanned care events; to support immediate diagnosis by GPs — Community care e.g. for pre-operative assessment — Reablement e.g. for post-operative recovery assessment. — Acute elective e.g. for detailed operative or pre-operative assessment. — Urgent and emergency care e.g. to link to patient records/care plans; for post-operative assessment; short term monitoring by ambulance service of patients not transported to hospital; timely diagnosis support on Ambulatory ECGs; for operative assessment. — Long term conditions e.g. to support — initial diagnosis; titration of medication for newly diagnosed/unstable, patients; annual reviews for stable patients. — Maternity and children e.g. for higher-risk pregnancy; control of hypertension or gestational diabetes; natural miscarriage support; gynaecology post-operative discharge advice. — Mental health e.g. for alcohol and substance misuse recovery support. Examples of Desired Outcomes: — Improved ability to self-care and reduced anxiety, — Early anticipation of exacerbations, — Better informed out-of-hours service, — Reduced emergency attendances and hospital admissions, — Greater patient convenience and reduced travel, — Reduced missed doses of medicines, — Richer baseline data to inform clinical decisions, — Reduced need for out-patient attendances, — Free up clinical/nurse time spent on routine checks. Scheduled and on demand remote interactions help people to manage and control chronic illness and sustain independence. They enable the remote exchange of information, primarily between a patient or citizen and a health or care professional, to assist in diagnosing or monitoring health status and/or promoting good health. The scope of this lot includes but is not limited to Telemedicine and Teleconsultation which seeks to promote remote peer-to-peer support between clinicians and/or consultations between patients and clinicians. It could also be used for wound or pressure sore monitoring, stroke support or therapy services (such as speech and language services). Tele-coaching is another core element that provides video conferencing facilities and/ or telephone advice from a coach to support people by building knowledge, skills and confidence to change behaviours and covers factors such as lifestyle changes, medicine management and access to appropriate services. Examples of desired outcomes include: — Reduced need for out-patient attendances, — Free up clinical/nurse time spent on routine checks, — Remote access to expert opinion, — Ability to reduce inequalities for rural settings, — Care at or closer to home, — Privacy, confidentiality and security, — Interventions at a convenient time, — Independent feedback on progress, — Help in self-determination. — Greater citizen confidence and independence — Carer respite and support Overall this improves patient experience creating faster intervention and treatment. Technology alone can't deliver a transformation in care, but when embedded in a wider package of care and new ways of working, the combined innovation can have a powerful impact on improving patient outcomes and reducing inequality.