Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is an effective way for doctors and other healthcare professionals to monitor and treat their patients without having to be with them in person. While RPM offers several great benefits including flexibility, affordability, and convenience, there are also several factors that influence patient outcomes in RPM.
Communication
RPM allows patients to monitor their health at home including their temperature, blood pressure, spirometry results, etc. However, there must be a clear line of communication between patients and their healthcare professionals in order for this information to be of any use.
Patient Responsibility
In order for patients to effectively communicate their health results with their healthcare providers, there must be some level of patient responsibility. Taking medicine on time, tracking numbers and data on a daily basis, and being responsible for logging that information is dependent on the patient.
Take time to explain to your patients the importance of their responsibility and how their diligence can impact their health.
Good Technology
Another factor that may influence patient outcomes in RPM is whether or not the patient has the proper technology. The whole point of RPM is the communication of relevant data. Technology that is faulty or inaccurate can greatly affect the quality of care the patient receives.
Good patient outcomes rely on effective technology that can be trusted. Inaccurate data can lead to misdiagnosis or ineffective prescriptions. Ensure the safety and treatment of your patients by choosing the best technology available to remotely monitor your patients.
Physician Oversight
When conducting RPM, it’s imperative that doctors, physicians, and other healthcare professionals oversee their patient’s progress and help them understand their role in their healthcare.
Patients can often become confused about what’s expected of them as they’re given medications they aren’t familiar with, taught about their health, and told to follow strict schedules. In order to help your patients, you must oversee not just their progress, but make sure they understand what they should be doing from home to further their treatment.
Take time to explain to your patients the importance and benefits of RPM, as well as how they can take an active role in collecting and communicating important information related to their health.
