Unique Healthcare Spaces for Remote Patient Monitoring Innovation!
There has been much talk about the innovative methods that the United States healthcare system has employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. One existing method that has recently gained serious interest is telehealth and remote patient monitoring (RPM). Once the nightmare that COVID-19 is has passed and the healthcare system has a moment to reflect on what its future will look like, the decision will have to be made: which specialties in medicine should implement RPM technology long-term. This decision requires a reflective and honest evaluation of the usefulness of telehealth in various patient populations and an objective assessment of the data regarding healthcare outcomes of patients treated via remote patient monitoring.
Historically, telehealth has been reserved for chronic care management for acute episodes or to help a patient recover at home. The advent of remote patient monitoring more generally has allowed for reduced readmissions, as well as decreased cost of care and more satisfied patients. Health Recovery Solutions identified four key patient populations that can benefit from remote patient monitoring and telehealth, even after the pandemic ends.
The first area is oncology. As discussed more thoroughly in VyTrac’s OncWebinar, remote patient monitoring will surely result in more positive health outcomes for oncology patients. Overnight monitoring and consistent vital tracking will allow healthcare providers to keep an eye on a patient’s status in real-time. Patients will still require in-clinic appointments, but the number of appointments will be minimal. This is especially valuable given that cancer patients are often weak and would prefer telehealth appointments.
The second area is palliative and hospice care. Most patients in palliative and hospice care have caregivers that would benefit greatly from RPM reminders and educational resources. Further, having a healthcare provider “close by” provides comfort to the patient and family while at home.
The third area of medicine that will benefit from RPM after the pandemic is the Hospital at Home programs. These programs were popular during the pandemic and provide patients with provider monitoring in real-time, along with private consultations (via video or call) and important reminders. These programs reduce the cost of care and expedite waiting time for patients requiring more acute and immediate care in the hospital.
The fourth area is OBGYN. Both prenatal and postpartum patients benefit from remote patient monitoring. During the prenatal phase, providers can educate women about any specific condition and monitor changes in the later stages of pregnancy. During the postpartum phase, patients can feel comfortable knowing that there is a provider that can be reached immediately. Remote patient monitoring technology can track vitals and address potential problems that may occur, such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, or postpartum depression.
Ultimately, remote patient monitoring will improve convenience, spending, and patient outcomes in every specialty of medicine. VyTrac’s technology is an integral part of remote patient monitoring becoming mainstream in hospitals and clinics across the globe.