Work Programme Activities

TASK 1: Requirements for User Centred Design (led by Microsoft).  A set of health based scenarios identified by clients for their future needs will be defined, showing the value of integrated service delivery in the home.  An interactive media will be developed to illustrate potential services to users.  Based on this the requirements for the hub-user interface will be identified. Task 1 was completed June 2009.

TASK 2 Requirements for the home hub (led by BT):  Open standards requirements for the development of the hub will be broadly established (to be formalised under subsequent projects) enabling compatible devices to be produced by any manufacturer and supporting interoperability.  The standards and interface provided by the hub need to facilitate the development of a tele-health and tele-care interfaces, associated health monitoring systems and sensors, and links to the patient/care portal.  The hub should also be capable of providing other, mainstream services such as internet access, an energy management interface and potentially a video conferencing interface for professional health and social workers.  Learning from experiences overseas will play an important role.

TASK 3 Development, modelling and implementation of new independent living technology solutions (led by Centrihealth) (software and hardware).  Solutions to requirements identified under Tasks 1 and 2 will be scoped out (based on a 'past, present and future' review of technologies and systems) and appropriate hardware and software needed for priority pilot applications will be developed.  A strategy and end-to-end business models for delivering wide area solutions will be developed.  Security and trust issues will be reviewed.

TASK 4  Integration of the Home Hub into the built environment;(led by RIBA) identification of barriers and solutions to be assessed under subsequent tasks.

TASK 5  Demonstration and Dissemination (led by BRE).  BRE's Innovation Park will be used to demonstrate the home hub and associated technologies.  This will showcase ways in which the technology can be integrated into new housing (and retrofitted to existing properties) and how it can be used in community settings.  Additional demonstration facilities will also be developed in other parts of the UK to facilitate take up.  A programme of events showcasing the technology to relevant audiences (e.g. the health sector, house builders, RSL's, local authorities etc.).

TASK 6.  Scoping of requirements for large scale National Testing Facility (led by Tunstall) for the on-going assessment and demonstration of new technological products and solutions in a controlled environment.   

TASK 7 Pilots, will be carried out in collaboration (led by BRE) with those Local Authorities undertaking whole System Demonstration Trials with support from Department of Health in order  to determine medical and business benefits, and to agree how to role the technology out nationally