Benefits Of Remote Patient Monitoring

Virtually monitoring the physiological metrics of a patient located at a different place from a telehealth station is now possible through the electronic transmission of data.

Small wearable devices like patches or cuffs with sensors capture telemetric data like heart rate, blood pressure, glucose, and oxygen levels in the body. This data is relayed through Wifi or Bluetooth-enabled data transmission apps where it is processed and displayed on the screen of a nurse who is remotely monitoring the patient.

The small wearable devices are sensors in the RPM systems and have a high precision rate in capturing the correct information. The ability of telehealth to extend its services for preventive care for critical patients who are stable and can be discharged from the hospital is possible through remote monitoring.

RPM Advantages

The benefits of using medical wearable devices in both at-risk patients and health-conscious individuals are immense with several improved products that are foraying into the healthcare equipment market. A few advantages are listed here that make the use of RPM systems compelling:

• Portable

Patients don’t have to carry heavy mobile telemetry machines around when they are in-home care and need continued observation of their health data. Remote monitoring devices are portable and easy to carry.

• Aids Telehealth

Telehealth services are fast becoming a pillar of strength for healthcare facilities. With both clinical and non-clinical components as part of its structure, telehealth systems are more robust when with RPM devices. The critical data points related to a patient’s physiological measures can be observed and if there are any red flags, depending on the intensity and severity, a follow-up review is arranged by the hospital.

• Real-time data

Clinical staff can evaluate patients’ present condition remotely using RPM devices. The lag or delay in the transmission of data is minimum. There is no need to be physically present in the same space and any changes in the reading that is heading out of the normal healthy ranges will alert the hospital teams.

With high-definition videos that can stream the data relayed through RPM sensors, it is now possible to educate clinical students and observe patients for medical research.

• Improves outcomes

Patient outcomes are the result of a series of events that are linear and the impact of one aspect has a domino effect on another. When patients are engaged, they feel accountable for their treatment plan. Their adherence levels improve, and they take charge of their health. Unless patients fight back their disease with a strong will, outcomes will not improve. This whole equation is possible through consistent monitoring and discussion with patients during doctor consultations.

• Reduced hospital admissions and stays

Several times patients who are convalescing from disease can be discharged if their data can be reviewed consistently. With RPM systems, patients can go back home after educating them about remote monitoring programs and signing up for one. In this manner, hospital beds are once again free for the next patient.

Also, with improved outcomes, readmissions for the same health aspect are reduced when a patient uses RPM devices. These factors positively influence healthcare costs with fewer admissions and smaller stays in the hospital.

• Charge critical patients

Patients afflicted with diseases such as chronic heart failure, chronic pulmonary, obstructive diseases, and type 2 diabetes are always at risk of stroke that needs immediate clinical intervention. These patients can now take charge with RPM devices as the data is displayed through an application on smartphones. They observe their health and know their metrics. If something is leaning away from a normal condition, they will take a corrective course of action like taking their emergency medication or calling the doctor.

• Data integrity

RPM systems use the best practices in the industry to upkeep the security features that protect the sensitive data related to a patient. Powerful encryptions are used to safeguard and prevent misuse of the patient information.

Conclusion:

Medicare reimbursements for remote monitoring devices, although temporary, are a sign of its overall acceptance. The efficacy of the RPM programs was exacerbated by the medicare support and recognition for insurance reimbursement. With a continued need to suppress the rising healthcare costs and the ease of observing patients from the comfort of their homes, the healthcare industry will witness more innovative products in this segment.