An Integrated Service Model for Telecare System

Abstract

The medical costs for elderly people in Taiwan have increased largely due to the increasing number of aging people in the country. To meet the goals and requirements of the National Health Insurance (NHI), designing and providing a program which would reduce the unnecessary medical services demanded by elderly people is needed. In this research, a conceptual service model of the telecare system applied in Taiwan is discussed and presented. The service model is discussed in three dimensions, namely, service, delivery, and content. In the service dimension, the services provided by telecare service should be accessible and responsible. In the delivery dimension, telecare service should be highly interactive and with high usability. Finally, in the content dimension, the content of telecare service must be individualized and based on users\' needs. Most importantly, it must be comprehensive and authentic. Telecare service can be used as an important tool to assist nurses in nursing homes. It should be delivered by skilled nurses to increase the confidence of users. In district hospitals, doctors can substitute the weekly telecare service for traditional medical service. Therefore, the costs of NHI can be reduced. Moreover, the accessibility and interactivity of telecare service will give users greater satisfaction. The cooperation of nursing homes and district hospitals in the telecare service will not only improve the quality of long-term care but will also pave the way for the practice of telecare service in Taiwan.