In the past, patients with chronic conditions would have to physically go to their doctor's office or a local hospital to have their vital signs checked and monitored. However, with recent advances in technology, it is now possible for patients to be monitored remotely using devices that track various vital signs. This process is called remote patient monitoring (RPM).

RPM allows healthcare providers to remotely monitor their patient's vital signs and health status using devices that the patients can use in their homes. RPM can help improve patient outcomes by allowing healthcare providers to intervene early if a problem is detected, and it can also help reduce healthcare costs by preventing unnecessary hospitalizations.

How Does Remote Patient Monitoring Work?

RPM usually involves four main components: sensors, patient-reported data, communication between the patient and healthcare provider, and data analysis.

• Sensors are placed on the patient's body or near them in their environment in order to measure various vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. The data collected by the sensors is then transmitted to a central hub, where it can be accessed by the healthcare provider.
• Patient-reported data is another important component of RPM. This refers to data that the patient enters into a device or portal, such as information on their mood, pain levels, medication adherence, or activity level. This data can be used alongside sensor-collected data to give a complete picture of the patient's current health status.
• Communication between the patient and healthcare provider is essential for RPM to be effective. The healthcare provider needs to be able to reach out to the patient if there are any concerns about their health status, and the patient needs to be able to contact the healthcare provider if they have any questions or problems with their care plan.
• Data analysis is the final piece of the RPM puzzle. This refers to the process of reviewing all of the data collected from sensors and patient-reported entries in order to identify any trends or patterns, which are then used to improve the care plan for the individual patient.

Remote patient monitoring improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs, which makes it a win-win for both patients and providers alike. Additionally, it improves the patient's quality of life as they are no longer tied down to multiple doctor visits. If you think remote patient monitoring might be right for you, talk to your doctor or a local care team today.