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Evaluation and value for money analysis of a new telecare service from a user perspective
- Authors:
- AP DAFYD Ellen G., ROBERTS Janet, DOUGHTY Kevin
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 3(3), September 2009, pp.43-49.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Many telecare services will in the future rely on service users to subsidise their existence through a charging policy. This will reduce the level of use, and hence the economic efficiency, unless services are shown to offer value for money. As part of a wide audit and evaluation of telecare provision in Gwynedd, service users were asked both about the value of the service to them and to their families. Twenty-five percent of active service users were selected. The responses showed that the service was perceived to be valuable to 95% of service users, but even more so to their families. Most thought that telecare played a valuable role in helping them to maintain their independence. This is consistent with results in other local authorities in England and Scotland, though it should be noted service users might exaggerate satisfaction with free services for fear they might be withdrawn if criticised. When asked about the financial value of the service, more than half felt that it was worth £4.50 per week or more without a dedicated response team. All were prepared to pay at least £3 per week, 25% up to £6 per week and approximately 8% up to £8 per week. The majority would not wish to pay extra for a response team. One conclusion was to recommend pooling of resources between health and social care authorities, which together with payments for service users, may produce a sustainable service.