Remote patient monitoring (RPM), the ability to monitor certain aspects of patients’ health from their homes, has gained significant traction over the last several years. According to Arizton, the RPM market is worth over $13 billion globally and is expected to reach a value of more than $25 billion by 2028.
RPM is often paired with telehealth services and provides real-time data to health care professionals monitoring patients, with the goal of improving patient care outcomes. Additionally, RPM helps cut down on patients’ travel costs and the risk of infection and makes it easier for those who aren’t able to travel to a doctor’s office or medical facility to get care. Typical symptoms and conditions that can be monitored remotely include high blood pressure, diabetes, weight loss or gain, heart conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and asthma.
The Rise of RPM in Home Health Care
There are many factors that have contributed to the increased use of remote patient monitoring in the home health care sector, including the following.
Expansion of Telehealth/Telemedicine
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in federal rules and policies allowing remote care reimbursement have fueled the spread of telehealth services, including RPM.
Technology Advancements
Rapid development of wearable devices, cell phones, and other linked devices has made remote health data collection and transmission easier. These technologies have become less expensive and more user-friendly, allowing patients to monitor their health from the convenience of their own homes.
Preventive Care, Early Intervention, and Cost Efficiencies
RPM enables health care providers to continuously monitor patients’ vital signs and health data. This allows for the early detection of potential health issues, which can facilitate timely interventions, avoid hospitalizations, or prevent long hospital stays.
In addition, in helping to lower hospital readmissions, reduce the length of hospital stays, and lower the need for frequent doctor visits, RPM can prevent the escalation of diseases that may require costly treatments by treating health issues proactively.
Patient Convenience and Comfort
Patients prefer to manage their health from the comfort of their own homes rather than travel to medical facilities. RPM takes a more patient-centered approach, which improves overall patient satisfaction.
Seamless Coordinated Care and Communication
RPM allows health care professionals participating in a patient’s treatment plan to coordinate care more effectively. Nurses, for example, can easily communicate with physicians, specialists, pharmacists, and other members of the health care team via digital platforms and secure communication methods. Regardless of geographical boundaries, they can share real-time data, discuss treatment plans, and seek expert advice. This integrated strategy improves communication, decreases decision-making delays, and provides a coordinated continuity of care.
About One80 Intermediaries/Manchester Specialty
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