What is Remote Patient Monitoring and How Will it Help You?

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Written By Berry Mathew

Are you tired of traditional healthcare visits’ long wait times and inconvenience? Well, technology has brought a solution to your doorstep. RPM Services are taking over the healthcare industry, offering patients convenient access to care without leaving their homes.

What is RPM?

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is a technology-enabled care delivery model in which patients use digital devices to transmit health data to their care providers. RPM can help improve clinical outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and lower healthcare costs.

Various digital devices can be used for RPM, including wearable sensors, mobile applications, and home-based monitoring devices. These devices collect patient vital signs, activity levels, and symptom severity data. The data is then transmitted to the patient’s care team to monitor their condition and make necessary adjustments to their care plan. RPM can manage chronic conditions like heart failure, diabetes, and COPD. It can also be used to monitor post-operative patients and pregnant women.

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Benefits of RPM

There are many benefits of using RPM services to improve access to care. Some of these benefits are:

  • RPM can help reduce the cost of healthcare by reducing the need for office visits and hospitalizations. Studies have shown that RPM can decrease hospitalization rates by 30-50%. RPM can also decrease the length of hospital stays and the number of office visits.
  • RPM can improve patient outcomes by helping patients manage their conditions more effectively. RPM can provide real-time data that can be used to make treatment decisions. RPM can also help patients comply with their medication regimens and follow their care plans.
  • RPM can increase patient satisfaction by giving patients more control over their care. Patients who use RPM feel more connected to their care team and have a greater sense of involvement in their care.
  • RPM can help improve access to healthcare for patients who may not have access to traditional care models. RPM is a valuable tool that can be used to improve the quality and accessibility of care.
  • RPM prevents the spread of infectious diseases and Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs). RPM reduces the time spent in a healthcare facility, reducing the risk of spreading infectious diseases. RPM also reduces the need for contact with other patients, reducing the risk of HAIs.
  • RPM equips the patients with higher levels of education and support. RPM provides patients with the educational resources they need to manage their condition and improve their outcomes. Patients can receive education and support from healthcare providers, such as dietitians or nurse educators, while they remain in their homes.
  • RPM expands referral opportunities and improves retention rates. RPM expands referral opportunities, allowing healthcare providers to refer patients to specialists who may be located outside of their area. RPM also improves retention rates, encouraging patients to stay connected with their care team and stick to their treatment plan.

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Types of Services Offered

There are a variety of RPM services available to patients. Some of the most common types of services include:

  1. Home health monitoring: This service allows patients to use home devices to track their vital signs and health data. This data can then be transmitted to their care providers, who can use it to monitor their health and change their treatment plans as needed.
  2. Telehealth visits: Telehealth visits allow patients to video chat with their care providers from their homes. This can be used for routine check-ups, appointments, and urgent needs.
  3. Distant patient monitoring: This service uses devices that patients wear to track their vital signs and health data. The data is then transmitted to their care providers, who can use it to monitor their health and change their treatment plans as needed.
  4. Virtual reality therapy: Virtual reality therapy uses immersive technology to help patients overcome anxiety, pain, or other mental health conditions.

Who Can Use RPM?

Several different groups of people can benefit from RPM services. These include:

  • People who live in rural or underserved areas who have limited access to healthcare providers.
  • People with chronic conditions who need ongoing monitoring and care.
  • People recently discharged from the hospital or nursing home need transitional care.
  • People who cannot leave their homes due to disability or illness.

Challenges And Limitations of RPM

Providers should be aware of several challenges and limitations to RPM services.

  • RPM requires a reliable Internet connection and computer or mobile device access. If patients do not have these things, they cannot participate in RPM.
  • Some patients may be uncomfortable sharing their health data with their providers remotely. This could make patients reluctant to use RPM services or provide inaccurate information.
  • There is the potential for errors in data transmission from the patient to the provider. This could lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
  • Patients who use RPM services may interact with their providers differently than if seen in person. This could lead to less effective care.

Tips for Getting Started with RPM Services

If you’re considering adding RPM services to your organization, there are a few things to remember. Here are some tips for getting started:

  1. Define your goals and objectives. What do you hope to achieve by offering RPM services? Be specific and realistic in your expectations.
  2. Choose the right technology platform. There are several different RPM platforms on the market. Do your research to find one that meets your needs and budget.
  3. Train your staff. Ensure everyone providing RPM services is properly trained to use the platform and interpret the data.
  4. Promote the service to your patients. Let them know about the benefits of RPM and how it can help them stay connected to their care team.
  5. Evaluate and adjust as needed. After you’ve been offering RPM services for a while, take some time to assess how well it’s working and make changes as necessary.

By following these tips, you can get your RPM services off to a great start!

Conclusion

RPM services are changing how healthcare is delivered. By providing patients with a convenient and secure platform to monitor their health from home, these services are giving providers an easy way to improve access to care without sacrificing the quality of service.