Technology for Integrated eCare

Abstract

Today, healthcare and social care services are often delivered independently. This can lead to inefficiencies, duplication of resources, and potentially to reduced levels of care quality. Older people are particularly affected by this situation, since they often need both types of services, such as support with daily living activities and chronic disease management. At the same time, the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to support integrated service delivery remains largely unexploited. Against this background, many are the technologies that might offer a suitable canvas for integrated care, particularly to more vulnerable social groups. The main goal of this chapter is to provide insight into the most promising technologies for facilitation of integrated care, such as Ambient Intelligence, Internet of Things, Robotics, Service Platforms, etc., and to discuss the potential of combined technologies to yield efficient and well-accepted solutions.