DENIS ROCHE

The challenge

The quality of life for people in long term residential care is an issue that has dominated the headlines in Ireland's media over the past number of years. It can be very difficult for people in care to stay connected with their loved ones, resulting in a loss of touch with the outside world and problems of social exclusion, isolation and depression.

Business approach

Denis Roche created Open Window, an interactive web platform designed for care environments that enables patients to remain connected with the outside world and provides patient-focused personal content. It allows families and friends to communicate directly with them and send videos and images that can be beamed onto the wall of their care facility.

Goals and objectives

A five year clinical trial funded by the Irish Cancer Society is studying the impact of Open Window on Leukaemia patients at the National Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, St James Hospital, Dublin. Results show a consistently lower level of anxiety among Open Window users and a 50% improvement in overall patient experience. Funding from The Arthur Guinness Fund will enable Denis to bring this life-enhancing technology to care facilities around the country, improving the quality of life of numerous people in care.

Website: www.openwindow.ie