Remote patient monitoring has been rapidly gaining in popularity in recent years. In an age when mobile devices are available to everyone, remote patient monitoring can be convenient and effective, enabling people to take charge of their own health. But what is it, and how does it work?

In this blog post, we will discuss remote patient monitoring, how it works and how it can benefit both patients and healthcare providers.

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a method of healthcare delivery that uses technology to monitor patients remotely. This can be done via phone, computer, or another type of remote device. RPM allows healthcare providers to collect data from patients and then make decisions about their care based on that data.

Health data may be collected manually and entered into a remote patient monitoring system or it may use biosensors, fitness trackers, and other wellness devices to automatically or continuously gather health data. The collected data is then securely sent to healthcare providers in another location for real-time update, assessment, and intervention. Providers may want to measure a patient’s heart rate, vital signs, sleep patterns, and glucose levels, among others. Through this system, clinicians can continue caring for their patients remotely. 

Even after learning the definition of RPM, there is still some confusion on how RPM actually works.

• Using a RPM, a provider can collect a variety of patient health data such as blood pressure, heart rate, weight, blood sugar levels and vital signs.
• To collect health data, the patient is provided with a device. It is necessary for remote patient monitoring devices to be electronically connected, which is most often achieved via cellular networking or Bluetooth.
• As a result of analyzing this data, the provider can provide health and wellness guidance and directions to the patient. Once the device has been properly configured, health data is captured by the device and is transmitted from the patient to the provider, usually electronically, after it has been set up properly.

There are a few different ways that remote patient monitoring can be set up. The most common way is for patients to use special devices that measure various health data points. These devices then transmit the data wirelessly to a central hub, where it can be monitored by healthcare professionals.

Another way to set remote patient monitoring is through the use of wearable devices, such as fitness trackers. These devices also collect health data, which can be transmitted wirelessly and used to monitor a patient’s health status.

The setting up of Isaacs RPM feature is easy as it’s all on the Isaac Care app. Catherine a Primary Carer spoke about the peace of mind that it brought her and her mother who uses the Isaac Pendant.

“I’d give the Isaac Care App a five-star rating, I’m really delighted with it, I’m not particularly tech savvy and I find it really easy to use.’’ – Catherine Rogers

There are a few key differences between remote patient monitoring and patient monitoring.

Patient monitoring generally refers to any type of monitoring that is done in a clinical setting, such as a hospital or doctor’s office. This type of monitoring usually requires some type of equipment, such as a blood pressure monitor or heart rate monitor. The data from these types of monitors is then typically recorded on charts or graphs.

Remote patient monitoring, on the other hand, does not require any special equipment. Instead, remote patient monitoring uses technology to collect data from patients who are not in a clinical setting. This data can be collected through devices that the patients wear, such as fitness trackers or smart watches. It can also be collected through apps that the patients use on their smartphones.

One of the key advantages of remote patient monitoring is that it can be done from anywhere in the world. This is a huge benefit for both patients and doctors. Patients can be monitored from the comfort of their own homes, and doctors can monitor their patients without having to be in the same room.

Vital signs monitoring is the most common type of RPM. It allows healthcare providers to collect data on a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and other vital signs. This data can be used to detect changes in the patient’s condition and to make decisions about their care.

Disease management is another type of RPM. It uses data collected from patients to help manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Disease management programs can help patients better understand their condition, make lifestyle changes, and adhere to their treatment plan.

Medication adherence is another type of RPM. It uses data collected from patients to track whether they are taking their medications as prescribed. Medication adherence programs can help patients stay on track with their medication regimen and avoid potentially harmful side effects.

Behavioral health is another type of RPM. It uses data collected from patients to track mental health symptoms and behavior’s. Behavioral health programs can help patients identify early signs of mental illness, get the treatment they need, and prevent potentially harmful behavior’s.

Michael is an Isaac Care user who also uses the ISAAC Care blood pressure feature. His doctor is part of his Circle of Care on the app, and she has access to the results which assists with managing his blood pressure medication allowing for continuous care without in-person GP visits. 

 
“I wouldn’t be without it. I have returned to meeting friends in my local and once again walking the Cooley mountains. It provides me the freedom to live life without fear just by knowing I am never alone”. – Michael