The SPANISH health authority is cutting costs by doing consultations via Xbox.

English: The Xbox console with the S controller, made by Microsoft. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

IT services giant Accenture has been working with the health authorities in the Basque Country to reduce the costs associated with caring for people with chronic illnesses through technology created for Microsoft´s Xbox games console.

The Teki telehealth system enabling consultations to be carried out with the patient at their own home when the system, via the Xbox, is connected to the patient´s TV.

It also enables medical staff to remotely monitor the patient´s health, give dietary advice, and prescribe medicine.

Patients with chronic diseases, which include arthritis, asthma and diabetes, account for 80% of patient interactions and 77% of the region´s total healthcare budget.