Remote Patient Monitoring: What You Need to Know

Remote Patient Monitoring: What You Need to Know
Dr Josh May 4, 2021 Telemedicine

As you know telehealth has taken the world by storm especially after the COVID-19 crisis hit. It has been revolutionary for patients who have little to no access to in-person visits. Other than that it has made life easier for people by lowering the health care costs and time a person uses to visit the doctor or an ER.

However, patients with chronic or long-term health issues have benefitted the most from telemedicine. This has been made possible by remote patient monitoring.

How does Remote Patient Monitoring Work

Remote patient monitoring, also known as remote patient management, works in a way that it collects all forms of health data from a patient using digital technologies. This makes it easy for the patients to transmit that data to their health care providers. It allows doctors to assess the data and make appropriate recommendations to their patients even if they are situated far away.

Remote patient monitoring can collect a wide range of data which includes vital signs, weight, blood sugar, oxygen levels in the blood, electrocardiograms, and even heart rate. Sending all this data to a health care professional helps them work on a treatment plan from anywhere.

This is most beneficial in regards that it lowers the number of readmissions and hospitalizations. This helps the patient in saving time and cost while also making it possible for medical professionals to create vacancies for other patients who might need personal care.

The things you will need for remote patient monitoring are software, the hardware to collect data, and a stable internet connection. It is as simple as collecting data from a Fitbit or an apple watch.

Types of Remote Patient Monitoring

The type of remote patient monitoring device you need depends on your medical condition. Here is a list of all types of remote patient monitoring devices that can help patients and health care professionals to make their life easier.

Blood Pressure Monitor

Blood pressure monitors now come for home use as well. Most of them are digital and easy to use. It makes it easy for patients to check their blood pressure and heart-rate with a simple push of a button. This device can help diagnose kidney dysfunction, diabetes, and high blood pressure in the early stages.

Anticoagulation testing device

Patients with deep vein thrombosis, artificial heart valves, pulmonary embolism, and other similar conditions can track their health data with an Anticoagulation testing device with just a drop of their blood. They can easily send their data to medical health professionals so they can assess the most effective solution for a patient’s problem.

Heart rate monitors

Heart rate monitors can keep a check on the heart rate of a patient with heart problems 24/7. They come in easy-use wearable forms.

Electrocardiography or ECG devices

These devices come in either handheld, wearable, or patch forms that record the electrical impulses of a patient’s heart. They can transfer the data to their health care professionals in real-time so they can warn them of any kind of risks such as cardiac chamber abnormalities or drug toxicity levels. This helps the physician to warn the patient in time before any casualty occurs.

Continuous glucose monitor

This device is most helpful for diabetes patients because they have to keep a constant check on their blood glucose levels. This device also needs a single drop of blood to assess all the results.

Remote patient monitoring software that fits your workflows

Other Types of Remote Patient Monitoring Devices

All the devices mentioned are the most commonly used RPM devices that come in handy for patients as well as physicians. Other RPM devices make the life of people much easier which are:

  •     Medical alert systems.

  •     Maternity care monitoring.

  •     Pulse oximeter.

  •     Pediatric at-home monitoring.

  •     Smart scale.

  •     Medication monitor.

All these devices come with their unique qualities which are used for different types of medical conditions, emergencies, or sometimes just to remind a patient to take their medication.

Benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

When it comes to the benefits of remote patient monitoring the list is endless. Here are a few of the most important ones:

  1. 90% of the healthcare costs in the United States occur because of chronic patients. RPM helps cut their cost and time which makes their life easier than ever before.

  2. Patients need readmissions because they are not sure about their current vitals at all times. Remote patient monitoring has cut the number of hospitalizations and visits significantly because patients can keep track of all their vitals at home.

  3. RPM has helped not only patients but also health care professionals by being able to guide the patients sitting at home. It overcomes the fear of them having shortages of important things like hospital beds and PPEs.

  4. RPM helps patients to have a better quality of health as they can know the exact time of their medication. It also helps them make lifestyle choices according to the results of their vital signs.

  5. Most of all, Remote patient monitoring helps keep a smooth workflow because the waiting room delays and missed appointments have become a thing of the past. Doctors can advise the patients on their next move whenever they find the time to do so.

Conclusion

Remote patient monitoring has become a big part of telemedicine with the rise of new technology and its benefits are undeniable. Revolutions like these in the medical world are making it possible for humans to live longer, healthier, and better than ever before. The best part is that keeping RPM devices at home can help you stay healthy and make better lifestyle choices from the comforts of your home.

Remote patient monitoring software that fits your workflows

Dr Josh

Dr. Josh is a physician who's helping spread the knowledge about Telehealth and its advantages. At SmartClinix, he's providing his expertise and knowledge in the form of engaging articles on various health & tech related topics.

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