Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is ImPaCT in Europe?
It is a project funded under the Lifelong Learning Programme of DG Education and Culture. It started on the 1st of January 2009 and will run for 3 years.
Its objective is to set up a network to facilitate the development and implementation of Person Centred Technology (PCT) for the benefit of key stakeholders in the health and social care sectors. PCT brings together the use of ICT, Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT), telecare, telehealth and telemedicine and involves the user first and foremost in designing the technological solutions to meet their individual needs.
2. Why is ImPaCT in Europe needed?
ImPaCT in Europe is a project aiming to demonstrate how assistive technology and ICT can significantly support independence for people with disabilities and their carers. It is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of Person Centred Technology. PCT can substantially improve quality of life and open up potential employment opportunities for the individual.
The findings will be used to lobby governments for general policy initiatives which will ensure that the provision of PCT is primarily to improve users’ and carers’ quality of life and secondly to make efficient use of resources.
3. What is Person Centred Technology?
Personalised technology is technology that is specifically designed around the needs of the individual with all types of disabilities and their carers. It covers essentially electronic assistive technology which can include telecare, telehealth, environmental controls, prompting devices, mobile technology. All this includes both high and low technology solutions. The solutions are aimed to enhance and improve the quality of life and independence of the individual and give support to the carer.
4. Where can I find out more on PCT?
Information is becoming more available via government web sites and manufacturers’ web sites. There are also an increasing number of organisations aimed at coordinating information and case studies. You can find out more information in the “Knowledge Centre section” of this web site as well.
5. What funding is available?
Funding is varied between countries and even within countries can be confusing depending upon which technology solution is being sought. It is suggested that this issue is pursued in each of the countries by interested parties.
Funding can also be dependent on whether the technological solution is seen as a health care or a social care responsibility (different government departments). The funding also might depend on the specific disability or age group of an individual.
6. What is the best way to use PCT ensuring that the privacy and dignity of the end user are respected?
A way to ensure that PCT is used in the best way is to implement an ethical code of practice. An ethical code of practice refers to the purpose and manner in which the technology is provided and the purpose for which it is used. The same technology can be used for both independence and safety. The ethical code should make both the identification of the solution and the manner of its delivery transparent.
One of the ImPaCT project deliverables is to map and highlight some of the ethical issues in the partner countries
7. How is it possible to find out if a technological solution can be appropriate for an individual?
Any assessment of a technology solution should be consistent with the overall assessment of need of any individual and fit within the individuals care plan where appropriate.
The assessment and suggestion of a technological solution should be made in the first instance by an expert who does not have any interest with a specific manufacturer. Once a solution has been identified then the input of manufacturers will become important.
Any technological solution should allow for a trial period to ensure that the solution delivers the desired outcomes and any other issues are identified.
It is also important that all people involved in supporting an individual in the use of a technological solution (naturally including the individual as much as possible) are aware of how to use and maintain any device.
It is also important to allow for a contingency plan should a device fail.
8. Are there issues around Consent?
In some countries it may well be that Consent is required formally in the use of any technological solution. It is also important that where someone cannot give Consent their best interests are respected and formalised. This process will vary between countries.
It is important to ensure that a comprehensive contract is entered into with manufacturers to ensure a replacement and maintenance schedule. Also it is important that contingences are agreed in the possibility of failure in technology.
9. Can PCT be used with people with complex and multiple needs?
Sometimes technological solutions for people with moderate or mild disabilities are easier to identify. However, there is increasing evidence that technological solutions have made significant improvements in the lives with people with complex needs. These can range from single input switches to the sensitive use of a range of sensors that can make people more independent and safe.
This website contains several case studies that should highlight some of the areas of benefit.
10. Should Risk Assessments be used?
Risk assessments are required to ensure that the technology is used correctly and contingences are used in the case of failure.
11. What are Call Centres and what role do they play in the delivery of PCT solutions?
Call Centres are third party organisations that can be alerted via the telecare infrastructure if a sensor is activated. It is extremely important that the protocols on how to best respond to any given situation are agreed by all parties. For instance, if an extreme heat detector is activated should the fire service be contacted or an identified carer called?
It is very likely that Call Centres and protocols will vary from country to country.
12. Where can I find professional support for using PCT with an individual?
Please check the knowledge centre of this website. Answers will be added by each partner country in due time.
13. Where I can find training about PCT?
Please check the knowledge centre of this website. Answers will be added by each partner country in due time.
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