D I S S E C T I N G B U S I N E S S
Dr Robert Rea , Head of Innovation at InnoScot Health , explores the urgent need for innovative healthcare solutions in addressing frailty care , offering insights into how technology and collaboration can enhance the quality of life for Scotland ' s ageing population .
SCOTLAND ’ S AGEING POPULATION IS RELIANT ON INNOVATION
Of the many healthcare issues that had a strong light shone on them during the pandemic , frailty was high on the list of concerns . With Scotland ’ s population instructed to isolate , society ’ s most vulnerable , frail members found themselves at a greater risk from falls , unplanned hospitalisation , disability , cognitive impairment and more , all in tandem with less likelihood of bouncing back quickly from their conditions .
In Scotland , approximately 35 % of the population over 65 are identified as mildly frail , 15 % are moderately frail and 5 % are severely frail . Furthermore , unplanned bed days for Scotland ’ s frail population over 65 are thought to equate to £ 1.7 billion per year . Of course , the knowledge of our increasingly ageing population is not new , but amid greater strain being placed on pressured NHS resources
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