Remote Monitoring in healthcare is a standard specification that facilitates the health monitoring of patients through the use of remote devices. Remote monitoring also known as remote patient monitoring system (RPM) collects patient-generated health data and sends it to healthcare professionals by using mobile medical devices. RPM programs can collect physiological data such as vital signs, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. Telehealth systems or software applications can be installed on computers, smartphones, or tablets to send patient data to a doctor’s office. Remote patient monitoring software help clinicians not only deliver better care, but also achieve significant financial benefits. A RPM entails recording health and medical data in one location and reviewing it by a provider at a different location using electronic tools.
Remote patient monitoring: How it works
Despite the fact that RPM techniques can differ depending on which device is used or what condition is being monitored, most technologies use similar components. A wireless-enabled sensor measures specific physiological parameters and stores the data. A storage system must also be able to connect to additional sensors, healthcare provider databases, and related applications. The applications typically provide users with an interface for tracking or analyzing data and displaying treatment recommendations.
RPM devices collect data that is sent to the appropriate location and stored in a relational database. With wireless telecommunications data, healthcare organizations can view individual instances or a complete health history.
Importance of remote patient monitoring
There are several reasons why RPM is of great value to the healthcare industry:
Better access: The number of insureds increases, reducing the supply of doctors in the face of greater demand. It is much more difficult for people to access health care. RPM addresses this issue by increasing the capacity of physicians to treat their patients and expanding access to care across the United States.
Quality Improvement: Quality of care is improved through remote patient monitoring. This is because RPM provides direct and immediate access to relevant patient data, effectively narrowing down and simplifying daily routines. It also reduces the possibility of physician burnout, which greatly benefits patient care. In addition, RPM improves patient behavior and engagement through its organization. It involves patients directly in their health and makes them responsible for it. The technology is familiar and user-friendly, rather than cold and clinical. The interface of many systems is similar to that found on tablets and smartphones, providing convenience and increasing patient engagement.
It involves patients directly in their health and makes them responsible for it. The technology is familiar and user-friendly, rather than cold and clinical. The interface of many systems is similar to that found on tablets and smartphones, providing convenience and increasing patient engagement.
Increased security: Patients are provided with the comfort and reassurance that they have someone in their corner, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As part of the program, the doctor monitors the patient’s health and well-being on a daily basis. The medical team effectively goes home with them and touches base with them regularly. In addition, patients receive ongoing education, support and feedback.
Remote patient monitoring examples
Patients can input data through handheld medical devices or online platforms using RPM technology. Examples include:
- Glucose meters for diabetics.
- Blood pressure or remote heart monitoring.
- Health care professionals can be alerted of a fall or a condition such as dementia by continuous surveillance monitors.
- Monitoring and treatment of infertility remotely.
- Keeping substance abuse patients accountable and on track with their goals with at-home tests.
- Programs for logging calorie intake or diet.
Remote monitoring benefits
Increase patient engagement- RPM devices allow patients to play a critical role in managing and understanding their own health conditions.
Patients and healthcare providers have access to more relevant patient data through RPM, improving overall quality and value-based care.
Patients have better access to healthcare – Due to RPM’s ability to conduct basic health tests themselves, healthcare professionals can treat more patients.
Support and education for patients – RPM provides patients with information and feedback about their health conditions on a daily basis, educating and supporting them.
Assuring patients – Constant monitoring can help identify potential issues as soon as they arise.
Developing a long-term practice
In the long run, remote patient monitoring can improve patient outcomes and boost your practice.
It is of the utmost importance that the long queues and the waiting time for patients are reduced during these adverse times. The use of a remote patient monitoring system has also led to patient satisfaction and a great sense of gratitude towards the hospital. In a survey conducted by the Consumer Technology Association, 52% of patients were satisfied with remote patient monitoring.
Patient outcome improvement
The RPM will play a huge role in reaching remote places without having to travel to clinics for routine visits even after the global crisis is over. Rural residents can also use these technologies to safely and quickly consult with medical specialists. With remote patient monitoring devices, chronic heart disease or diabetes patients can be monitored from home.
Pandemic monitoring via remote access
The current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions make it difficult for many people to access healthcare as often as they would like. Remote monitoring allows healthcare staff to perform medical tasks that are typically performed in person virtually. Remote monitoring can be an effective method of caring for non-COVID-19 patients in the current overcrowded hospital environment caused by Covid-19.
RPM is frequently used to help patients who require chronic, post-discharge, or senior care. Health care organizations can keep track of patient data between visits by connecting high-risk patients with remote monitoring. RPM could also be used by businesses that want to record workmen’s compensation cases, making sure employees are on the right path to return to work.
Remote patient monitoring and telemedicine
RPM technology can effectively complement telemedicine. For example, a person with chronic kidney disease can make the most of their telehealth conference by providing all important vital information to their doctor through their RPM smart devices.
If the doctor detects something unusual, all he has to do is look at the chemical levels in the blood recorded by the patient’s RPM devices. This would mean that the patient does not have to go to the hospital for a check-up and can receive quality health care from the comfort of his home. Even for routine check-ups, patients can use SmartClinix’s Remote patient monitoring device to ensure their doctor receives all the relevant information they need.
Patient-centered healthcare
Diseases often come with many other problems besides the initial suspicion. Patients rarely suffer from only one disease. However, most clinical trials and research do not focus on patients with multiple diseases because they are considered too complicated due to many variables.
However, this is only a problem with how the data is organized and tracked. With extensive use of RPM technology and software that creates user-specific analyses, this problem of complicated data can be simplified. This will make it possible to study patients with many chronic diseases, allowing for faster diagnosis and reduced treatment.
Finding the right remote patient monitoring technology
The whole world is rapidly adopting RPM. SmartClinix offer several plans starting as low as $19.46. So put your financial worries aside and get your Remote patient Monitoring setup today!
