The Future of Healthcare, Telecare and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

As the UK transitions toward integrated, patient-centred care models, the demand for reliable, resilient, and intelligent telecare solutions has never been higher.

This downloadable white paper therefore outlines the policy, clinical, and demographic context driving the adoption of remote care technologies, but it also signals a critical opportunity for the technology and service provider ecosystem to shape the future of care delivery.

Below, we also introduce how manufacturers, telecare platform vendors and service providers can align with national priorities, NHS transformation strategies, and Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissioning frameworks to scale innovation effectively and sustainably.

Growth Drivers:

• Demographics: Ageing population with multimorbidity and reduced independence (20% unable to use stairs or shop unaided).
• Policy Direction: NHS Long Term Plan, digitisation of care records, shift from hospital-based to home/community-based care.
• NHS Virtual Ward Expansion: Over 12,600 virtual ward beds by January 2025, with high satisfaction and cost efficiency.
• Analogue Switch-Off: Upcoming PSTN switch creates need for resilient, all-IP or cellular primary and fallback telecare solutions.

Addressable Segments:

• Local authority commissioned telecare
• NHS-commissioned virtual ward and remote monitoring programmes
• Private-pay/self-funding residents and families
• Care home integration and smart facility management

Interoperability and Integration:

• Align with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to deliver products that plug into existing care coordination platforms and shared records.
• Design systems to meet or exceed TSA Quality Standards Framework (QSF), NHS DTAC, and DCB0129 clinical risk management guidance.

Resilient Connectivity:

• Support dual-path connectivity (e.g., cellular primary or failover for IP-based telecare).
• Partner with CSL to offer the highest levels of uptime, remote diagnostics, security/data privacy and updates.

User-Centric and Inclusive Design:

• Devices must be accessible to individuals with limited dexterity, visual impairments, or cognitive decline.
• Support needs of unpaid carers and family via shared dashboards, alerts, or mobile companion apps.

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy:

• Ensure secure device onboarding, end-to-end encryption, and compliance with UK GDPR and NHS cyber standards.
• Transparency and explainability of data use will be critical as AI-driven prediction tools become more common.

Evidence and ROI:

• NHS and local authority buyers require demonstrable clinical outcomes, cost savings, and service impact.
• Consider partnerships with pilot sites or academic health science networks (AHSNs) to generate peer-reviewed evidence.

To maximise impact and adoption:

• Collaborate with ICSs/ICBs to co-design services tailored to local population health needs.
• Work with social care providers and NHS community teams to ensure device training and support pathways.
• Engage with industry bodies (e.g., TEC Services Association, DigitalHealth.London) for alignment and visibility.

• Proactive Engagement: Join ICS-led innovation programmes and virtual ward pilots.
• Standards Readiness: Ensure devices are compliant, secure, and interoperable.
• User-Centric Design: Build systems that are inclusive, intuitive, and tailored for aging populations.
• Evidence Generation: Invest in studies, pilots, and ROI models to support procurement cases.
• Connected Partnerships: Collaborate with connectivity providers, digital health platforms, and care providers for holistic delivery.