Eurocarers
European association working for carers
LifeSensor
Summary
LifeSensor was a product of InterComponentWare AG (ICW) in Walldorf, Germany. This was a tool for everybody in need of care, in particular old people, who would like to be monitored and continue living independently, but also for formal and informal carers to maintain the quality and continuity of care. It helped to fill gaps in knowledge or care provision because it was possible to connect all the institutions and people involved to exchange relevant information concerning the person in need of care. Authorised professionals were able to take a look at all the information they need at any time and were responsible for keeping the information up to date.
Available since June 2000, LifeSensor was a web based data sheet containing all relevant medical data of a person or a family. The person concerned and the doctors the person was consulting, were continuously able to add information to the database. The LifeSensor member chose who was authorised to access this database: for example, professionals, informal caregivers, relatives and doctors. The member could allow access to the database to further people involved in his or her healthcare and to others, i.e. partner, relatives and carers.
LifeSensor could also be used like an electronic calendar with a reminder function for appointments, medicine etc. Access via internet enabled relatives –if they were given access– to be informed at any time. All authorised people involved in care had the same information level.
Costs for the ‘start file’ were € 60 per year, for the ‘fitness file’ € 54 per year. The service centre was available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the German fixed line network.
The ICW main objective was building a tool for bettering the exchange of health related information between General Practitioners, Specialists and patients but this goal has not be achieved and the Company came back to the private sector, leaving this kind of service, that ended in 2011.
For this reason, information on sustainability, transferability and budget are not available.
Description
refers to the target users, kind of service provided, ICTs typologies and devices used
The main aim of the service was offering to any person in need of care, the possibility of maintaining an overview of health status and care needed.
InterComponentWare AG (ICW) is a private commercial company, founded in 1998, that develops and sells information technology in the health sector. ICW Company had the objective of bettering the information exchange among doctors and patients to enhance the awareness around healthy life among both. Nevertheless, the ICW was not able to achieve this goal and the service was closed in 2011.
Care Recipients
Informal carers
Paid assistants
Formal carers
Not available
Independent Living
Information and learning for carers
Personal Support and Social Integration for carer
Care coordination
LifeSensor used personal computers and internet for collecting information about the health status of a person and relayed this information to everyone involved in the medical treatment and care of this person.
Personal computer, internet connection, sensors for health parameters.
Operational Information
refers to the type of funding, budget, sustainability and organisations involved
Not applicable
Not available
Not available
The service was not be able to sustain itself and it is closed currently.
Not available
Authorities
Private Care Sector
Health and Social Care Systems
Third Sector
Private Companies
Not available
Informal Carers
Health Professionals
Social Care Professionals
Privately-Hired Care Assistants (inc. Migrant Care Workers)
Volunteers
Not available
Not involved
Not available
The main promotion channel was the ICW website.
Evaluation
refers to the impact of the service on end-users, care organisations and authorities
Not available
Not available
Not available
Strengths
- The company provided also an assistance phone line service available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Weaknesses
- The service required training to be used correctly and this could be a problem for old people not digitally skilled.
- Impact assessment of initiative is not available
- The company business model is not available
- The lack of interest among professionals perhaps leaded to the service end.
- The reason of the service end are unknown, because of the very short explanation reported on the website.
- The service reaches only people with medium- high income level.
- The lack of additional information, due to the lack of a website English version and the unavailability of the ICW staff in providing the required information.
The service has been closed and it is not transferable.
More Information
includes contacts, publications and accompanying documents
References:
Mollenkopf H., Kloé U., Olbermann E., Klummp G. (2010), The potential of ICT in supporting domiciliary care in Germany, JRC, European Commission, IPTS, available at http://ftp.jrc.es/EURdoc/JRC56575%20.pdf
InterComponentWare AG
Altrottstraße 31
69190 Walldorf, Deutschland
Tel.: 0049 (0) 6227 385 100
Fax: 0049 (0) 6227 385 199
info@icw-global.com