E-survey to describe the Technology Enabled Care landscape across child health in the United Kingdom and integration into NHS Trusts
Loading...
All Authors
Rostron, Heather
Pini, Simon
Livermore, Polly
Gilbert, Anthony
Redmond, Anthony
LTHT Author
Rostron, Heather
Redmond, Anthony
Redmond, Anthony
LTHT Department
Leeds Children's Hospital
Non Medic
Publication Date
2025
Item Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Subject
Subject Headings
Abstract
Background
The provision of Technology Enabled Care (TEC) to support the management of patients has been driven by various legislation and policies over the last decade. Children and young people (CYP) are proficient users of all things digital and technology-related (1). Therefore, it would appear logical for TEC to be offered to support CYP in developing self-management skills and to offer flexibility eg. with remote care to support their developing autonomy. However, difficulties remain in the uptake and adoption of TEC (2).
Aims
To investigate innovative technologies being developed for Children and Young People’s healthcare to support TEC across the UK.
Methods
An e-survey is open via 'Online Surveys' to: industry partners, child healthcare professionals (‘Med-Tech’ champions), and researchers, who support the development of TEC with CYP. E-survey distribution is via NIHR Healthtech Research Centres (3), NHS Trust Innovation departments, and social media. Descriptive statistics will be performed to describe the sample and content analysis for free text responses (4).
Results
Data collection is underway with a response rate of 68% of the predicted sample. Most participants are industry partners working with tertiary care centres, developing applications (apps), medical devices or communication technologies. Most areas for project development are: mental health, ophthalmology, or cross-cut child health. The majority of projects are Technology Readiness Level 9 (5). Free text responses offer insights into challenges faced, with some solutions offered.
Conclusion
Early responses indicate the challenges of TEC adoption into child health. Successful integration of technologies appears problematic. Findings will assist in understanding the current landscape of developing TEC that may be generalisable to the global population. The main strengths of the study are sustained PPI engagement, willingness of industry partners to share experiences with a clinical academic, and participants indicating their support for future project involvement in subsequent PhD work packages.