Who are Care Connect?
Care-Connect was established in 2022 as a partnership between Centric Health and Irish Life Health to offer innovative pathways in the support of chronic disease management. This partnership allows for the provision of remote clinical support to lessen disease exacerbations and reduce the need for hospital presentations. Care-Connect provides oversight and guidance through specialist nurses, a pharmacist, care-co-ordinators, an expert advisory team and a medically approved application.
What programmes do Care-Connect offer?
Care-Connect offers a chronic disease management programme for patients living with Heart Failure and chronic respiratory conditions including COPD, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema or Bronchiectasis. Care-Connect also provides a home Sleep Apnoea Diagnostic Programme for patients with suspected sleep disordered breathing and a Hypertension Screening Programme for those with suspected hypertension or those with known risk factors for developing hypertension. Please refer to Eligibility to confirm cover for each of these programmes.
Who can access Care-Connect programmes?
Irish Life Health members can access all Care-Connect programmes (Individual policy terms & conditions apply). Pre-approved Vhi members may access the Heart Care Programme only. Patients referred as part of a hospital’s agreed programme with Care-Connect may access Care-Connect programmes.
How much do Care-Connect programmes cost?
Care-Connect programmes may be available on your private health insurance plan at no extra cost to you. Individual policy terms and conditions apply. See your insurer’s Table of Cover and Membership Handbook for details.
What equipment do I need?
Care-Connect will provide you with all the medical equipment and training you need to participate in any of Care-Connect’s programmes. You will, however, need access to a smart device such as a smart phone or tablet, with iSO 17 or later, in order to participate.
Is the medical app difficult to use?
No, the app provides step by step instructions and is intuitive to use. The care co-ordination team and your nurse are always available should you have any connectivity issues or queries. A family member or carer may also be available to help you.
Will my GP know what's happening?
Keeping your GP in the loop is an important part of your care plan. With your permission, our nurses and pharmacist will keep your GP updated on any concerns or changes with your health, clinical condition or medications.
How is my data kept safe?
Data security is of upmost importance to Care-Connect. Care-Connect is the controller of all data collected during your care and has strict data protection processes and procedures in place. If you have any questions or queries regarding how Care-Connect manages your data, you can contact our Data Protection Officer at [email protected].