The rise of remote patient monitoring

Telehealth refers to the use of digital information and communication technologies to manage healthcare. This encompasses a broad range of services including virtual consultations, telemedicine and remote patient monitoring (RPM). By leveraging these technologies, healthcare providers can deliver care to patients without the need for in-person visits, thereby increasing accessibility and convenience.

Remote patient monitoring involves the use of digital devices to collect and transmit patient health data to healthcare providers for assessment and recommendations. This data can include vital signs, blood glucose levels, heart rate and other relevant health metrics. RPM is often used to help patients that require chronic, post-discharge or senior care.

RPM offers numerous advantages for both patients and healthcare providers:

RPM provides healthcare providers with real-time data. This continuous flow of information allows for the early detection of potential health issues and timely adjustments to treatment plans.

By actively involving patients in their own care through regular monitoring, RPM encourages better adherence to treatment regimens and promotes self-management of chronic conditions. Patients become more aware of their health status and can make informed lifestyle choices.

Continuous monitoring enables early detection of health deteriorations, allowing for prompt interventions that can prevent hospitalisations. This proactive approach not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces healthcare costs associated with emergency care and hospital stays.

RPM bridges the gap for patients in remote or underserved areas, providing them with access to quality healthcare services without the need for travel. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges.

A variety of remote patient monitoring systems are utilised to monitor different health parameters:

Connected blood pressure cuffs allow for regular monitoring of blood pressure levels, transmitting readings to healthcare providers for ongoing assessment and management of hypertension.

Wearable devices equipped with heart rate sensors monitor cardiac activity, aiding in the management of conditions such as arrhythmias and heart failure.

These devices can locate patients with conditions like dementia and alert healthcare professionals of an event like a fall.

Devices that measure weight and body composition can help to monitor conditions like congestive heart failure, where sudden weight changes may indicate fluid retention.

These devices measure blood oxygen saturation levels, which is crucial for patients with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or COVID-19.

Diabetes management has benefited significantly from RPM technologies. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide real-time tracking of blood sugar levels, which facilitates timely interventions, better glycaemic control and personalised treatment.

RPM programmes often include educational components and health coaching, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their diet, exercise and medication adherence.

Remote patient monitoring is gaining momentum as healthcare providers strive to deliver more services on tighter budgets. As the world’s aging population grows, the ability to remotely monitor older adults has become increasingly crucial. The RPM market is predicted to reach USD 4 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 8.7 per cent.