We have compiled a list of key terms used in the technology-enabled care sector. This resource will be continuously reviewed and updated. Please inform us if there are any terms you would like to see added to the glossary.
- Bandwidth Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted through a connection at the same time.
- Barcelona model A cooperative venture between Tunstall and the Barcelona Provincial Council sees carers take a proactive approach to telecare. The service does not just monitor and assist in times of distress but proactively engages with service users regularly to help carers provide reassurance and build relationships. The ‘teleassistance’ service combines telecare monitoring and response, coordinates social care and third-party services and delivers proactive outbound contact from monitoring centres. The proactive calling element is similar to the Pfizer Own Health model used in Birmingham in the early 2000’s. See Proactive Calling.
- Big data This refers to extremely large data sets that can be analysed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, and associations, especially relating to human behaviour and interactions.
- Bluetooth Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances and building personal area networks (PANs). It is commonly used to replace wired connections in audio systems, such as linking music sources to speakers or headphones. It can also transmit data from sensors using the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol in version 4 onwards.
- Bogus caller A person who visits or phones someone under false pretences, typically for the purpose of theft or fraud, often linked to distraction burglary.
- Broadband A telecommunications technology that allows large amounts of data to be transmitted quickly. It is often the generic term for any kind of Internet service that allows you access to the web, email, streaming TV, and other online services at high speed.
- BS 8521-1 BS 8521-1 is a specification for a common signalling protocol for analogue social alarms that uses dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) to transmit information. Its use allows social alarm systems from different manufacturers to operate and share information with Telecare Monitoring Platforms from various suppliers.
- BS 8521-2 A digital grouped scheme telecare alarm signalling protocol, also known as NowIP. This British Standard specifies requirements for the transfer of information and control signals between social alarm equipment used in grouped living environments and alarm receiving centres (ARCs). It provides for the establishment of a common signalling protocol over a public or private IP network to ensure that social alarm systems from different manufacturers exchange essential information and controls in a compatible manner.