Older people who are suffering from chronic pain and live in remote areas may soon benefit from a new device which they can use to seek advice on how to cope.

Scientists are hoping to create a device which can be connected to either a television or telephone. The device would feature some degree of social interaction which it is hoped, will boost patients mood. With some older patients finding it difficult to visit the hospital or get to their GP's surgery receiving care via a household appliance could be a suitable solution.

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen and the University of the Highlands and Islands are developing a prototype and are seeking input from elderly people in both the design and testing of the new technology.

Pat Schofield of the Centre for Advanced Studies in Nursing at Aberdeen University told Nursing Times that one of the greatest fears of older people that live alone or in remote locations is that if new technology is introduced they will lose the social interaction gained from visits from health professionals or those in working in social care jobs, which is why researchers want the new device to integrate social interaction with others.

Dr Gaener Rodger told Nursing in Practice: "In the development of a prototype, it is paramount that we take into account the capabilities of those who will be using the device and create something which is both technically and physically simple to use. Chronic pain sufferers often face mobility challenges, so it is important to consider this when thinking about the size and style of the device."

"Also cognitive function may decrease in older people, which can create a barrier in the uptake of new technology within this group. For this reason, we will investigate how the device we develop could be integrated into or added onto, a household appliance already found in most homes, such as a television or telephone, which people already know, understand and feel comfortable using."