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Care Technology Glossary of Terms

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.

AJAX progress indicator
  • Information, especially facts or numbers, collected for examination, consideration, and use in electronic form, stored and used by a computer.
  • This is an online web portal or app that presents a user with an overview of the key data indicators for an individual being monitored and an overview of the situation with multiple users if an organisation is using the platform to manage multiple users. It usually allows operating parameters to be adjusted (e.g., alert thresholds) and for the user to dive down into more detailed underlying data if required.
  • A process to identify and minimise the data protection risks of a project. DPIAs are usually undertaken when introducing new data processing processes, systems, or technologies.
  • This refers to a situation when a medically stable patient must remain in the hospital because there is no safe discharge option available.
  • A cloud-based application to monitor, manage and configure connected telecare alarm devices. Typically, each alarm manufacturer has its own Device Management Platform specific to their alarm devices.
  • Digital subscriber line is a family of technologies that are used to transmit digital data over telephone lines.
  • This refers to home telephone services that use VoIP to work over broadband networks instead of the old analogue PSTN service. Instead of connecting a phone to the master socket on the wall, it must be connected through a broadband hub that supports digital voice services.
  • Disaster recovery involves a set of policies, tools, and procedures to enable the recovery or continuation of vital technology infrastructure and systems following a natural or human-induced disaster.
  • Wherever possible, people should be supported in returning to their homes for assessment following a spell in hospital. Implementing a discharge-to-assess model where going home is the default pathway, with alternative pathways for people who cannot go straight home, is a way of avoiding Delayed Transfers of Care. Care technologies can be used to help support this process both in terms of ensuring that the discharge is safe and for obtaining data to support the assessment process.
  • An alarm receiving unit in the home that links wirelessly to telecare sensors and other peripherals installed in the home. The DAU enables alarm signals to be transmitted to a Telecare Monitoring Centre and opens a two-way conversation with a call handler to arrange the most appropriate response.
  • A signalling method that sends data as a series of combined audible frequencies (tones) over a telephone connection. The signalling protocols used by analogue telecare devices use DTMF (or a variant) to send messages between the alarm device and ARC. DTMF is not reliable when using digital telephony.