Cardiff Council deploys wearables to detect early health risks

A wearable solution which helps to identify certain health risks early on, has been implemented by Cardiff Council as part of its Telecare response service.

The ARMED (Advanced Risk Modelling for Early Detection) software, developed by HAS Technology, was adopted by Cardiff Council as part of a response service to put preventative measures into place for its community and residents.

ARMED gives users access to data, allowing for better self-management whilst healthcare professionals can be alerted to potential issues.

Twenty individuals have been identified as having a potential ‘falls risk’ and provided with ARMED’s wearable smart watches, so that their sleep and mobility data can remotely be monitored.

Aaron Edwards, implementation and delivery manager at Cardiff Council, and chair of the Assistive Technology Network for Wales, was keen to put preventative measures into place during the Coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “I was worried that the pandemic would increase falls further. Research shows a clear link between those who fall frequently and serious injury or entry into residential care.

“With this assistive technology, our residents are able to monitor their daily health and mobility, and our professional support network will be alerted to any potential risk trends. As this point, we may speak to their GP, the Independent Living Service, or Community Rehab physios and put a plan in place to manage falls prevention.”

Following advice from health and social care professionals in the UK to switch to remote interaction where possible, ARMED has been adapted to be implemented remotely during the pandemic minimising service user contact but maximising the ability for stratifying risk.

Brian Brown, director of HAS Technology’s ARMED service, added: “We are delighted to be working with Cardiff Council on their Telecare project. ARMED has not only shown how assistive technology can be of benefit during a time of crisis, but also how it can support the sector as we move forward to a new normal way of working.

“We are all anticipating additional pressures as the pandemic progresses and our wearable technology really highlights how having remote but real time access to data can support preventative measures. The goal is to ultimately improve the life of the end user and help them to age well.”