Wearable devices could help people to monitor long-term conditions themselves instead of going for regular GP appointments Mark Lennihan/APNHS patients will receive training to learn how to better manage their conditions using wearable technology and apps such as Facebook and Skype. Patients in Stoke and North Staffordshire who have long-term conditions such as heart disease and respiratory problems will benefit from £50,000 funding in one of 20 new pathfinder projects across England. The trials, organised by NHS Digital, the Good Things Foundation and local partner organisations, are intended to explore digital-inclusion strategies that will be introduced nationwide if successful. The money will provide training and support for 500 patients, including those in rural areas, to use a range of digital technologies to help with their health conditions. Ruth Chambers, of Stoke-on-Trent clinical commissioning group, said: “Wearable and mobile devices are now able to…

Source: The Times August 09, 2017 16:07 UTC