The topic of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) can seem like a math problem. Although we are all familiar with what it is, there are so many different ways it can be applied that it is best divided into pieces, much like how math is divided into algebra, geometry, theoretical, etc. When we asked our lovely Healthcare IT Today community about RPM, this became clear.
The following is what they had to say about RPM, divided into the various avenues we need to take in order to discuss it properly.
Experiences with patient care
Telehealth is evolving, and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is one way it’s enhancing patient care. With RPM, providers are better connecting with patients outside of the clinic. For instance, through RPM it’s much easier for practitioners to monitor vital signs and activities of those with kidney problems or diabetes in order to diagnose and treat changes and irregularities quickly. Incorporated into an EHR system, RPM will facilitate communication between healthcare entities and ensure interoperability.
RPM Success Tips
For a successful remote patient monitoring (RPM) venture, stress-free solutions are essential for both patients and providers. The health care industry is been affect by critical staffing shortages and burnout, while individuals face issues like chronic diseases, financial security concerns and other social worries. Procuring RPM with little or no extra effort to staff, automated outreach system, and user-friendly technology can create a win-win situation.
Health care providers will be able to expand their reach without increasing the burden on their existing resources; at the same time, patients will benefit from getting direct yet convenient care to manage their conditions.
Developing any RPM program
It is only as effective as the engagement of the person using Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM). In spite of the best medical professionals in the world, if you don’t build a system tailored to the user and customized by them, then you won’t be able to make a significant impact on patient wellbeing. Get users’ direct input and buy-in is the first step in developing any RPM program.
Accept that one size doesn’t fit all and find answers to critical questions for understanding your clients – what are their social and cultural norms? How much digital engagement are they currently experiencing? You can only build an RPM program that people will engage with and benefit from if you take an integrative approach to health and understand their values, needs, and communications styles.
RPM technology
To guarantee success with remote patient monitoring, it is vital to keep the patient experience at the forefront throughout its development and deployment. In this way, RPM technology can provide useful information to patients about their health and offer them more contact with their provider. If not, it will become a burden for users rather than being of help.
The current ‘tripledemic’ serves as an ideal opportunity to display how RPM programs can bolster traditional healthcare facilities that are struggling with the overload. With the help of such programs, physicians can shift their attention to more pressing cases, diminish the risk of infection and give patients the freedom to take care of themselves from home. In order for these initiatives to succeed in the long run, it is essential that key players such as healthcare providers, payors and — most critically — patients are on board.
For patients, it’s best to have messages about remote patient monitoring programs delivered by someone they trust and have a relationship with: their primary care physician (PCP). By expanding access to patients in rural or remote communities where traditional healthcare facilities can be few and far away, PCPs can demonstrate the value of these programs in mitigating healthcare inequities.
RPM efficiency
To make remote patient monitoring effective, a number of steps must be taken: First of all, establishment of the program objectives. Next, an engaging program design must be established. Staff members should have information about the devices involve and the use of science behind the technology. Additionally, it is important to note the program’s complete performance assessment and evaluate its outcomes and impact.
A best-of-breed approach involves adopting specialized solutions from many vendors and then integrating them, which is more difficult than using an RPM platform approach. Platforms for RPM can be deployed across an organization, making deployment relatively straightforward. Patients who enroll in the program are enrolled in the technology solution that will be used to manage the program and collect device data and review it.
When assessing what devices to choose for the program, numerous criteria will be factored in, such as compatibility with the electronic health record or platform; added features; accessibility; convenience; and expense. The first step to success is identifying prospects with suitable inclusion criteria and then informing them about the objectives of the program and why it’s beneficial for them to join.
In podiatry, where our diabetic patients face risks that are primarily modifiable through engagement, RPM is only becoming more innovative. New tools, such as smart insoles, are being developed to monitor and manage diabetes patients’ health in podiatry. It is inevitable that wearable medical devices will become a necessity in the near future, and physician practices need a data system capable of aggregating and interpreting the information.
Connected care technology and RPM
It’s time to embrace remote patient monitoring. RPM is about leveraging connected care technology for more effective, affordable remote healthcare. Patients want to stay informed and engaged in their own treatment, but providers are hard-pressed by lack of resources, inefficient workflows, and burnout. Meanwhile, the system is under serious duress from rising costs due to an aging population. Fortunately RPC provides solutions! Decreased readmissions, greater patient satisfaction and lower expenses are just a few positive outcomes that could sway people to take part. Now’s the time to act!
RPM receives a lot of focus in terms of CPT code payment or value-based arrangements. However, health plans have a great opportunity to utilize member health and activity data more productively to better comprehend their needs, provide supportive measures, and in turn, efficiently oversee risk across populations. These data can be utilized to nurture strong connections between plan staff and members, link people to the right facilities, and alert to risks which could cause further complications so that proactive steps may be taken.
