The TEC-MED platform is intended as a technological solution to provide assistance and support to the implementation of the model designed under the TEC-MED project. To achieve this objective, firstly it should be suitable to understand said theoretical model which serves as a basis.

In this regard, a model is an abstract system of reality, depicting a symbolic representation of a specific phenomenon and its interrelated concepts. Its development is needed since it becomes a conceptual context that facilitates understanding the complexity of said reality. 

On the one hand, it is also necessary to identify the representative core elements of the phenomenon and their relationships, going from the theoretical level to any practical application, so we can generate new and reliable knowledge which guides the creation of specific theories.

On the other hand, the implementation of a conceptual framework or model provides the common language and guidelines required to unequivocally study the object.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK OF THE TEC-MED MODEL 

From this point of analysis, the dimensions of the theoretical framework of the TEC-MED model are: 1. Subject of care; 2. Health and social care providers; 3. Care environment and Service delivery; 4. Governance; 5. Financing and 6. Technology. For each of the dimensions, three levels of action are defined: macro, meso and micro. Furthermore, the TEC-MED model is made up of a set of key elements that make it distinctive and at the same time have a transversal influence on its own conceptualization. They are: quality, research and dissemination; gender perspective; ethics; social inclusion; and transcultural. Likewise, the model basis is a person-centred integrated care and the central role in the TECMED framework is given to the older person’s dependent and/or risk of social exclusion, considering a holistic understanding and the dignity of the person as part of the core of its creation.

In this context, a support system to complete the model is needed. Here is where the technology enters to help in managing the information, endorsing effective joint effort at all levels (macro, meso, micro), configuring roadmaps, sharing tools, providing a collaborative space for lessons learned, reports, scientific evidence and good practices. In addition, it must be ensured that technology is developed under the values of user-friendly, usability, availability, accessibility, etc.

THE TEC-MED PLATFORM 

The implementation principles of the model, in each specific country, is being defined together with the testing and validation plan, both in line with the principles of active participation, wellness and collaborative intelligence. In parallel the relevant software, the TEC-MED platform, is being created and adapted to the social-care model, including multilanguage, multiple roles, caring system, surveys and scales, e-learning module, document warehouse, communication resources like news carousel, multi-chat and video meetings, as the most significant functionalities. Almost all of these utilities can be managed by a role with the appropriate privileges using the administration tools at their disposal.

Thus, putting into practical action all of the aforementioned, a high-fidelity wireframe has been developed based on an initial requirement identification and use cases needed for the final platform. This has resulted in a prototype to be validated with partners and a controlled group of stakeholders in order to collect a first approach to the specifications and suggestions from the future users of the platform, which design is composed by the following blocks:

• COMMON SECTION: Header, Multilanguage, User profile (log-in, log-out, change password, edit information), Social Media Footer (social networks, link web).
• ABOUT THE PROJECT SECTION: About the project, TEC-MED Model, News, Contacts.
• MANAGEMENT SECTION: News, Contacts, Users, Surveys, Guides, Opportunities, Publications, Documentation.
• CARING SYSTEM SECTION: Caring Platform, Surveys.
• COACHING & TRAINING SECTION: E-Learning, Guides (Platform guide, Healthy lifestyle, Mental activities, Physical exercises).
• RESOURCES SECTION: Opportunities, Publications, Documentation (deliverables, others), Stakeholders list, Communication tools (Forum, Chat, Video).

Therefore, the features of the on-line platform are mainly oriented to elderly empowerment and a user-centric ubiquitous communication and collaboration involving roles such as training agents, final users and caregivers, both formal and family. Finally, the information collected through the on-line platform will be useful to increase the knowledge of model perception and collect ground-truth feedback in view of a next possible future implementation of a wider integrated social-care model.