Written question asked by Mike Penning (Conservative) on Monday, 17 November 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 November 2008. It was answered by Ann Keen (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 November 2008 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Health Services: Technology

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision has been made to assess advanced telehealth technology within the Whole Systems Demonstrator Programme trials.

Answer: The Whole System Demonstrator programme aims to provide robust evidence on the impact of telehealth and telecare interventions. A selection of the countries leading academic organisations have been commissioned to lead what we believe to be the largest ever randomised control trial of these technologies. The evaluation will determine the extent to which the use of telehealth and telecare:"promotes individuals long term well-being and independence;""improves individuals and their carer's quality of life;""improves the working lives of staff;""is more cost effective; and""is more clinically effective."The programme will also build an evidence base for future care and technology models.

Secondary information