December 5, 2023
Over the last decade, the healthcare industry has witnessed unparalleled change, with technology emerging as a vital tool in enhancing patient outcomes and care. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional healthcare practices and necessitated the adoption of innovative approaches to ensure continuity of care. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) has emerged as a crucial solution in this regard, enabling healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients’ health status and provide customized care to patients without them having to leave their homes.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is a technology-driven solution that gathers a broad spectrum of health-related information directly from the point of care, including but not limited to vital signs, blood pressure, blood oxygen, body temperature, and brain activity, among others. Following collection, the data is transmitted to healthcare professionals stationed at medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics, intensive care units, nursing facilities etc. RPM is carried out using various monitoring devices such as wearables, sensors, and mobile apps that help collect and transmit patients’ health data to healthcare providers.
Remote patient monitoring has been shown to reduce hospital readmissions, emergency room visits, and healthcare costs. Research shows that RPM reduced the risk of hospital readmissions by 76%, resulting in an estimated cost savings of $10 billion per year in the US. Furthermore, it is estimated that more than 70 million patients across the US alone will be using RPM tools to manage their health by 2025. This projection is based on the growing demand for remote care solutions and their potential benefits, showing RPMs increasing importance in the telemedicine industry.
RPM has great potential for home care, especially for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 6 in 10 adults in the US have a chronic illness, and 4 in 10 have two or more. RPM can help manage these conditions more effectively by providing healthcare providers with real-time data, such as early warning signs through progress tracking, enabling them to make informed decisions about patient care.
Furthermore, the pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of RPM, as healthcare providers sought to minimize in-person visits and reduce the risk of infection for patients and providers. According to reports, the global remote patient monitoring market is expected to reach $16.9 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.5%. This growth is being driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing demand for home-based monitoring, and the need for cost-effective healthcare solutions. As RPM continues to evolve, it has the potential to transform the way healthcare is delivered, especially for patients in remote or underserved areas with limited access to traditional healthcare facilities.
The process of RPM can be broken down into the steps outlined below:
Patients may require assistance to use the technology, and their ease of use depends on the design and complexity of the devices provided. Partnering with an RPM vendor such as Patient One can help medical providers implement successful programs for patients.
The utilization of RPM has demonstrated several benefits in healthcare delivery and home care, such as:
Implementing Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) in home care can be challenging due to various factors. Here are some of the challenges that healthcare providers may face when implementing RPM in home care:
However, by addressing these challenges, healthcare providers can leverage the benefits of RPM and provide high-quality care to patients remotely.
The future of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) has significant potential for growth and innovation. Rapid advancements in technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and 5G, are enabling the development of new RPM devices and solutions. These technologies make it easier for healthcare providers to monitor patients’ health remotely and provide personalized care. For example, smart home devices can monitor the environment and detect falls or other patient safety concerns.
RPM solutions are also becoming more sophisticated and easier to use. For instance, RPM platforms that leverage AI and machine learning can analyze vast amounts of patient data to detect patterns and anomalies that may indicate a potential health issue. These platforms can then alert healthcare providers, who can take appropriate action to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
Another trend shaping the future of RPM and home care is the shift toward value-based care models. In value-based care, healthcare providers are incentivized to deliver high-quality care while reducing costs. At PatientOne, we are dedicated to providing value-based care solutions that support patients. Our goal is to create a care model that supports hospitals, practices, or public health needs. With our OpenRPM model, you can select the RPM solution that best meets the needs of your patients. This includes ensuring proper management of chronic conditions, overcoming communication barriers that may hinder care, or engaging with behavioral health patients. PatientOne facilitates an extended care model that improves access and enhances the quality of care for all.