Applying Social Aspects in Home Telecare Design to Improve the Safety of Users and Quality of Service

Telecare enables remote and cost-effective home treatment of patients, improving the safety and quality of life of frail individuals. However, despite increased availability of telecare devices, many are not fully used and often ignored due to poor social perception and experience. The research suggests the social aspects of quality and safety related to user experience have not been considered. This can lead to misuse or non-use of telecare devices, reducing patient safety and quality of life. This chapter explores the implications for the lack of social considerations in telecare and develops a series of models and methodologies to integrate the social dimension with the traditional medical intervention focus. By applying semiotics and normative behavioural theory, the authors show how a Normative Home Telecare Framework can improve telecare solution design and ensure take up and use of the devices and increase patient safety and life quality.