Remote monitoring toolkits are reassuring families of local residents receiving home care

The Whzan Blue Box contains various wireless, portable instruments which enable care providers to identify signs of deterioration and illness earlier.

Through regular readings of vital signs such as pulse, blood glucose, oxygen levels, respiratory rate, body temperature and blood pressure, Whzan can calculate the National Early Warning Score (NEWS2). If someone’s condition is deteriorating, Whzan then prompts carers with questions to assess if support is needed.

Integrating with the GP practice’s clinical computer system enables authorised healthcare professionals to have real-time access to the data so that any necessary action can be taken immediately.

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership’s Digitising Social Care programme has already provided Whzan kits and training to 90 local care homes – meaning more than 3,000 residents have benefitted from this technology.

More recently, the team has expanded to offer home-based monitoring with domiciliary care providers – with positive results. The Blue Box can be easily transported from one location to another, with the ability to discuss any concerns with colleagues via data transfer or video call.

Dana West, Manager at Home Instead Milton Keynes, said: “Whzan offers our clients and their families reassurance that their health is ok and that we are keeping an eye on this. We can notice any changes straight away and get medical intervention early to prevent hospitalisation where possible – it’s a great help to prevent hospital admissions.”

Clare Steward, Digitising Social Care Programme Director, said: “There has been a huge demand from care providers interested in how Whzan can help them to provide high quality care. We have also been continuing to support those already in receipt of the equipment to make sure they have the confidence to use it to its full potential.”

For more information, visit https://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/about/our-priorities/data-and-digital/digitising-social-care-disc-programme/whzan/.