NHS patients with chronic heart failure are participating in a telehealth trial which enables them to self-monitor and send their health data to experts using their home broadband.

Wakefield District Community Healthcare Services (WDCHS) have signed a partnership trial with BT for a system, which aims to reduce the number of hospital visits patients must make. Participants in the trial have been given an interactive personal health system which they can use at home.

The Intel Health Guide (IHG) device allows patients to record essential health data including blood pressure, oxygen levels and weight, which is then sent to a community nurse for analysis using the patients broadband line. The IHG also has video conferencing facilities enabling the nurses treating patients to communicate with them or those in social care jobs that are supporting them, about any actions the patient must undertake or concerns they have.

WDCHS told Computer Weekly that the telehealth system will enable nurses to monitor patients easily and spot early signs that a patient's health may be deteriorating, such as rapid weight gain because of water retention which occurs if a patient fails to take their medication.

David Ward is participating in the trial, he had a heart bypass 12 years ago and said the system has helped him lead as normal a life as possible. "Because of the confidence I have in this system, I don't worry about my health like I used to. I sleep better and don't have the panic attacks I used to and I've started to walk small distances again - I'd go as far as saying it's given me a new lease of life."

Alan Wittrick chief executive of NHS Wakefield District told Silicon.com: "We know that constant visits to hospital or clinics can be debilitating and we are looking to see if this trial could in the long term help reduce the need for these. The system provides reassurance to patients that changes in their condition can be picked up through the timely analysis of data.