Healthcare institutions are increasingly adopting remote patient monitoring (RPM) equipment to monitor a patient’s post-procedural or chronic health status. This is particularly common in acute care scenarios or to manage chronic disease in patients. The data gathered serves to keep healthcare providers updated on a range of biometrics, including weight, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood sugar levels, and other vital information.
Remote patient monitoring offers several benefits to patients, including an enhanced patient experience and better health outcomes. This technology enables clinicians to engage with patients in the comfort of their own home, alleviating logistical issues and costs associated with transportation and/or parking and the need for booking time off work to travel to a clinician for an in-person visit. Being able to care for a patient remotely also helps clinicians provide care to patients in rural areas where access to healthcare services may be limited.
Establishing an effective RPM program entails the secure and seamless collection of data, followed by its integration into the healthcare facility’s existing data management system. This integration allows clinicians to conduct in-depth data analysis using data analytics or AI, which can proactively avert the onset of severe health issues.
How Patient Data is Collected and Analyzed
There are various ways that patient data can be collected, but regardless of the method used, it’s crucial that this process complies with HIPAA standards in order to safeguard patient privacy. Bluetooth technology is currently the most widely used means of collecting patient data. Healthcare providers typically provide their patients with a kit containing a Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a glucometer or blood pressure monitor, for example, which can be connected to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to record patient health metrics. This data is then transmitted to the clinician via the cellular network. In cases where the RPM device is 4G enabled, it can transmit data directly to the healthcare provider without relying on a wireless Bluetooth connection.
Establishing the right Application Programming Interface (API) ensures the direct integration of data into the electronic health record, allowing clinicians to easily monitor their patient’s progress and patient data to be seamlessly integrated into the billing system.
Once the patient data has been collected, the healthcare provider can monitor and assess the information available to ensure the patient is adhering to their prescribed medication schedule, for example.
Incorporating AI into RPM
The future of RPM data analytics lies in artificial intelligence, which encompasses machine learning and deep learning. These advanced capabilities have the potential to enhance preventive medicine by scrutinizing data trends, prompting clinicians to proactively engage with patients to address any potential concerns that may arise.
AI also has the potential to make the provision of medical care more cost- and time-efficient by streamlining workflows. By rapidly analyzing data, AI allows physicians to quickly diagnose patients and make swift treatment decisions that can help mitigate risk. The amount of information that can be gleaned depends on the effectiveness of the algorithms.
How to Launch a Successful RPM Program
In order to successfully establish a RPM program, it is important that the program has the support of clinicians and physicians, and that the organization’s information technology systems are compatible with the RPM technologies that will be employed.
Any questions regarding the integration of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) with care management software must be addressed before embarking on an RPM program, and the parties responsible for managing and sustaining this integration in both the short and long term must be identified before the RPM program is implemented.
Patients with chronic health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure, will require continuous monitoring and vitals management. Others may require less frequent monitoring or monitoring over a shorter period, and healthcare practitioners must classify patients and collect data accordingly.
The choice of RPM device is also an important consideration. It’s crucial to assess RPM devices before selecting one for the program to guarantee that it’s going to be user-friendly for patients. If patients find it challenging to use a device consistently throughout their care journey, there’s a risk that the device may be used incorrectly, if it is used at all, which could potentially have a negative effect on the patient’s overall experience or health outcome. The patient should be able to use the RPM device as soon as they receive their kit, and the healthcare provider should have a support system in place to assist the patient should they encounter any difficulties using the device.
The healthcare landscape is evolving towards a patient-centered approach, with many patients already incorporating consumer-oriented health tracking devices such as the Apple Watch or Fitbit into their daily routine. As telehealth gains acceptance among patients, it’s reasonable to anticipate that they will increasingly seek, or even insist upon, Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) services when suitable. Healthcare facilities that do not offer RPM services may risk lagging behind in this evolving healthcare landscape and could fail to meet patient expectation.
TapestryHealth’s cutting-edge Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solutions, which encompass an array of advanced technologies, are transforming patient care. These RPM technologies include motion sensors, vital sign management, acute and chronic health management, and AI/machine learning tools capable of detecting issues before symptoms manifest. Our reliable rapid response capacity ensures around-the-clock support, regardless of the location. Every facility we collaborate with benefits from a safety net of seamlessly integrated solutions that complement existing processes, resulting in a tailored and proactive approach for each patient.