Читать книгу Advanced Healthcare Systems - Группа авторов - Страница 23

Technology can also be used to increase the rapidity of emergency response to a patient or person by the use of a personal emergency response system (PERS). The PERS uses a wearable smart device which connects to a call center or emergency medical service available round the clock to respond to any activation of the device Bridgera Rescue is an emergency response application which provides security personnel with the touch of a button. It is useful for any person who is in immediate need for security such as elderly at home [38]. These systems can also be a substitute for monitoring safety for aging patients by personal care workers. It has been shown that such PERS has reduced healthcare costs, saved lives, and has been accepted well by the patients [39]. But usage of PERS system despite availability has been low. The push-button device activator needs to be worm constantly or should be immediately accessible. In a study with persons with disabilities, only 16% of participant used it with concerns about falling was the most common reason for PERS usage and 3 out of 4 users felt greater security using it [40, 41]. Moreover, despite availability, PERS was not activated 83% of the time by the elderly after a fall while they were on the floor for more than 5 minutes [42]. High rate of non-usage has led to evaluation of newer PERS systems; hands-free automated speech recognition system utilizing ceiling mounted microphone array system may be more effectively usable but is still under research [43].