Search results

The application of pervasive systems to healthcare has increased in recent years, but resistance to such systems by patients remains high. In this study, the aim is to examine patient and caregiver perceptions of this technology to further develop an understanding of the benefits and functionalities that prospective patients deem as desirable, undesirable, inadequate or in need of further development. The study was conducted as part of the European Union BraveHealth project which is developing a patient‐centred pervasive healthcare system to support cardiac patients at home in everyday life using innovative monitoring and diagnosis, thereby enabling the patient to be more proactive in health management.

Focus group studies were conducted in Italy and the Midlands area of the UK, along with a 31‐item questionnaire. The findings were categorized under seven main headings: personal profile; benefits; adoption; acceptance; risks; security, privacy and trust; and (use of) cell phone.

In the focus group study, most participants felt that there is a great future for this technology and showed positive response to the potential benefits but there are concerns over reliability, security, privacy and trust.

Even though this study constitutes only a small group of participants, the Italian and UK study does represent similar patients' and caregivers perceptions towards at‐home healthcare systems.

This paper contributes to the understanding of the benefits and functionalities that prospective patients and care‐givers deem as either desirable or undesirable.