Telehealth Intervention Programs for Seniors (TIPS)

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Telehealth Intervention Programs for Seniors (TIPS) is an award-winning, inter-disciplinary, intergenerational, multi-state, high-tech/high-touch, patient monitoring program with wraparound services targeting low-income, high health risk seniors. The program delivers health related services and information via telecommunication technology. Social programs such as care coaching and care circles are also part of the service program. The use of students as technicians offers an intergenerational approach. The interaction in a community setting and the other service offerings available make this program unique in the healthcare field. Health and wellbeing is assessed using non-invasive FDA-approved medical devices. Data collected include: blood oxygen levels, blood pressure/pulse and weight. The measurement collections typically take 3-5 minutes per person, but the intent is for community interaction and other program services to be made available while participants are in the room. The nurse reviews the data semi-weekly at a remote location. Clinical messages are sent to the participant to be shared via the telehealth monitor at the participant’s next measurement session. If the nurse has any immediate concerns about the vital measurements before the next session is scheduled, he/she may contact the participant, and, or, caregiver, Primary Care Physician, on-site administrator directly. Participants are able to obtain their personal vital signs at each appointment and view historical data on the monitor to assist in the self-management of blood oxygen, blood pressure and weight. Lastly, the participant may also send a message remotely to the nurse during their appointments. Telehealth solutions are not intended for emergency use or real time monitoring of patient vital signs. The TIPS program is comprised of several components that make it unique. In addition to the non-invasive capture of vital signs, the sessions are held in a community setting, allowing for interaction among seniors in attendance and the opportunity to support one another in the self-management of health. In addition, there are social services programs that are available at these same sessions to address common needs for the seniors. It is also important to note that the data capture is facilitated by college students for participants so there is an intergenerational social and technology assist component that pilots have shown are helpful for ongoing engagement and commitment.