The adoption of RPA or Remote Patient Monitoring is rapidly expanding due to the many benefits it offers, including:

• Ease of access to patient data for healthcare experts.
• Clinicians can manage chronic conditions better.
• Increased efficiency.
• Lowered costs.
• Patients have better access to care.
• Improved quality of life and health outcomes.

A recent report indicates that by 2027, its adoption will almost equal in-patient monitoring, and it might as well become the standard of care for severely ill patients.

If you are considering setting up an RPM program in your facility, the following features will ensure successful remote patient monitoring.

Remote patient monitoring – how does it work?

A remote patient monitoring program is carried out in the following steps.

• The provider identifies the condition that can be managed or monitored remotely.
• Then a remote patient monitoring program is launched to offer an RPM service.
• During remote patient monitoring, the patient is provided with health monitoring devices to collect a wide range of patient health data, including – heart rate, blood pressure, vital signs, blood sugar levels, and weight. These devices are electronically connected, which is most often accomplished via cellular networking or Bluetooth. The most common RPM devices are – heart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters, weight scales, spirometers, and pulse oximeters.
• The health data captured by devices are transmitted from patients to the provider.
• This data is then analyzed, and a prescription and health and wellness guidance are prepared based on the results.

Eight most critical features for a successful RPM program

Accuracy and reliability of data

Data accuracy and reliability are integral features for RPM devices because they make data usable and purposeful. Accurate, timely, complete, and reliable information is essential to achieve the best results from a remote patient monitoring program.

Some of the benefits that are achievable with accurate data include:

• Encourages effective communication between medical professionals.
• Quicker treatment of patients in the most appropriate and precise way possible.
• Doctors can spend time with patients more effectively.
• Helps avoid complications.
• Doctors can provide excellent service to patients.
• Patients can be accurately diagnosed and treated promptly.

A sound RPM system should be able to provide rich and trustworthy patient data that is securely and adequately integrated into an organization’s existing data management system.

Below are some essential features of data collection in an RPM program:

• A kit with Bluetooth-enabled devices that connect to smartphones or tablets is sent to the patient. 4G enabled devices are also available, and soon devices with 5G capabilities will also be available to send data to the provider directly.
• Data collection has to be HIPAA compliant to protect patient privacy.
• With the help of an application programming interface, the data can be integrated directly into the EHR that enables doctors to track patients’ progress.

Faster and better data analysis with the help of AI

After the data is collected in accordance with HIPAA regulations, it is reviewed and analyzed to ensure the correct procedures are being followed. With the help of AI and ML, modern remote patient monitoring systems data trends are precisely analyzed, alerting healthcare professionals about any possible issues. With the help of faster and more accurate data analysis, time and efficiencies are also greatly improved.

Automatic response systems

With the help of automation, urgency is lent to commands. It allows clinicians to develop faster conclusions and solutions to the data retrieved from the medical devices. Automation also allows the data to be automatically updated for quicker responses. Advanced algorithms enable repetitive tasks to be performed easily.

For instance, if a patient is using an oximeter or heart rate monitor, the data is transmitted automatically and continuously in real-time to their doctor’s RPM application. DrKumo’s highly advanced RPM comes with Autopilot mode, allowing patients to record and share data automatically with just one tap on their mobile app.

Robust cybersecurity framework

Patients’ data can be a prime target for criminals. On top of it, multiple stakeholders, devices, and applications are involved in RPM programs that can contribute to potential cybersecurity risks. An RPM system with a robust cybersecurity framework that complies with the cybersecurity and privacy guidelines of NIST – the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) is a must to gain the trust of doctors and patients.

Accessible anytime and anywhere

Consistent measurement of vital signs in severely ill patients, such as patients with congestive heart failure, is crucial to track their health condition any time, anywhere. Immediate access with one-touch allows doctors to obtain the clinical information speedily and accurately anytime. This feature is a boon for patients in remote locations or rural areas who don’t have easy access to hospitals.

Easy to use

Patients should feel comfortable using a device throughout the entire care cycle. The inability to do so could result in – patients not using the device at all or using it incorrectly. Both scenarios can negatively impact the patient outcome or experience.

Speed

Faster evidence-based decisions are possible with the help of real-time continuous RPMs. With RPM technology:

• Data collection can be done quickly and speedily.
• Data analysis, planning, and reporting also become a lot faster.

Cost-effective

Modern RPM technology cuts the cost of more human resources and decreases the cost of care delivery in hospitals and clinics. As the condition of patients is monitored remotely, commuting costs, time costs and access costs are also reduced significantly.

Final words:

The convenience offered by virtual care has driven remote patient monitoring’s widespread acceptance among healthcare providers and patients. To bolster relationships and boost ROI while also maintaining clinical impact, healthcare organizations must look for these eight key features and use their creativity to drive virtual patient engagement.