Remote patient monitoring, or RPM, is a unique category of telehealth. It allows healthcare professionals to monitor their patients without having to be physically present. Successful RPM programs can improve patient outcomes, and increase the effectiveness of treatments.
Using remote patient monitoring can seem daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the technology. However, RPM can benefit both physicians and those they treat and more and more healthcare professionals are adopting its use.
Here are some tips for improving RPM outcomes.
Use Good Technology
Due to the nature of RPM, (remote patient monitoring) reliable tech is essential for recording and communicating accurate information and data. For successful outcomes, you must provide your patients with high-quality monitoring technology and train them in its use.
Have A Plan
To effectively monitor and treat a patient, a healthcare provider must have an actionable plan. Before your patient ever walks into your healthcare facility, you should have already thought through an appropriate way to accurately assess and monitor your patients. Having a selection of tools, treatments, and schedules are all great ways to improve RPM outcomes.
Stress The Importance Of Communication
One of the biggest factors contributing to the success of RPM is communication. Without successful communication between you and your patients, you will have no data to monitor or assess.
Take time to discuss the importance of consistent communication with your patients. Make sure they understand the gravity of getting their data and results to you, as well as staying reachable should an emergency arise.
Get Patients Involved
Patient involvement is the lifeblood of RPM, so to speak. Without patient involvement, there could be no successful RPM program.
It’s imperative that your patients understand their important role in their health. Help them establish set routines for any testing or medication required for their treatment.
Not all patients will be organized people. Therefore, some patients may take more effort when it comes to getting them on board with taking medication at regular times or quickly getting the numbers you’re tracking.
Be patient with them, but also firm. Emphasize that their involvement, or lack thereof, can have a direct effect on their course of treatment.
While there are many more factors that can improve RPM outcomes, these are the basics that can help your healthcare facility thrive as you treat patients. Furthermore, these tips will help patients take hold of, and responsibility for their health.
