Description (short summary):  
The Whole System Demonstrator (WSD) programme is a two year research project funded by the Department of Health to find out how technology can help people manage their own health while maintaining their independence. The WSD programme is believed to be the largest randomised control trial of telecare and telehealth in the world to date.

Telecare is aimed at vulnerable people who need the support of Social Care or Health Services to keep living on their own. For example those with physical disabilities, the frail and elderly or those suffering from dementia or epilepsy.

Telehealth is aimed at helping people manage their long term health conditions in their own home. Conditions include - diabetes, heart failure and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Number of pages: 23

Description of license: © Crown copyright

Nature of documentation: Official reports and studies