The National Health Information Strategy (2001) underpins that ICTs will be fully exploited in service delivery. Telecare and telemedicine have the potential to bring specialised diagnostic and clinical expertise closer to people, especially those in remote locations, making the health service more accessible and responsive.
A second objective is the equitable access for all categories of patients in the health system to be assured. Availability of information on entitlements using IT will be improved. Particular attention will be given to disadvantaged groups, older people and people with disabilities in order to help them to overcome existing barriers.
The legislation required for developing information systems to support the objectives of the National Health Information Strategy will be introduced. The legislation will address concerns about privacy and confidentiality, while ensuring that health information can be utilised for the benefit of all.
Within the new National Health Information Strategy, the health information requirements of older people should be provided for so that they can be empowered to make informed choices about their own health. A Health and Social Care Information Strategy for Older People should also be developed. Such a strategy would acknowledge the fact that older people are a heterogeneous group with diverse abilities and needs.
At this moment, the Scheme of Community Support for Older People and financial provision s for ICT in the context of home care in Ireland is limited. This scheme provides funding for initiatives to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people. Any voluntary or community-based organisation working with or providing support for vulnerable older people can apply. Funding covers once-off cost of installing socially monitored alarm systems. Annual monitoring fees or maintenance fees associated with these systems are not covered under the scheme. The actual grant will vary in the light of individual circumstances and needs. In general, grants will cover 50% of the total costs but grants up to 90% may be made where the circumstances so warrant.
Services for older people are not well developed, nor is the co-ordination of care and health services. The use of ICT in the health sector generally is only emerging.
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