Remote monitoring enables the collection of valuable patient data outside of the clinic and facilitate care for conditions ranging from chronic diseases and recovery from acute diseases. This is one of the most important benefits of health care in the digital age.
The implementation was slow due to regulatory requirements but the epidemic underscored its value and overnight policy changes ensured its rapid adoption. For the health care companies, this is a window of opportunity to test, develop, and improve remote monitoring systems.
What is remote monitoring?
Remote monitoring involves the collection, transmission, evaluation, and communication of patient health data from electronic devices including wearable sensors, implanted equipment, and handheld instruments. Remote monitoring is defined as the set of activities that meet four key criteria:
- Data on patients is collected remotely, without the assistance of a health care worker.
- Data is transmitted to a health care provider in a different location.
- Data is evaluated and care providers are notified as required.
- Care providers communicate relevant data-driven insights and interventions to patients.
Guidelines for development and implementation
These guidelines are based on the experience of managing remote- patient monitoring systems and research on the drivers for the clinical success of established programs.
The technology must be easy for the patient and clinicians to use and adapt.
It is necessary to provide intuitive equipment as well as resources for troubleshooting when required. Clinicians should be able to easily explain the use to patients and it should be easy for patients to set up and use. the data generated should be simple to analyze and monitor.
The tools should be incorporated into clinicians workflows
The clinicians already face a heavy burden of administrative work and so you must not add to their work but design the remote tools that blend seamlessly in the work process. This may require redesigning processes to ensure remote monitoring is integrated appropriately into the organization's processes.
Sources of sustainable funding must be identified and tapped.
This is very critical especially when the hospitals facing fund shortage to run their normal operations. Reimbursement for remote-patient-monitoring systems like setup, patient training, data interpretations, and follow-ups activities eligible for the same.
Dedicate sufficient non-medical staff to operate the program
The physicians will be busy with their regular work and may not be able to devote time to administering the program. Some specific patients may require the associated clinician as they can guide and follow-up with the patients.
Focus on digital health equity
Younger patients may be better candidates for remote monitoring as they are likely to be tech-savvy and better English speakers. But, access to technology may be limited due to poverty and other socio-demographic factors that may limit engagement and participation in remote monitoring programs. It is up to the care providers to go the extra mile to ensure that ensure underserved patients not only have access to the programs but are also provided with the education and support to make them successful
Start with an initial pilot and expand after its success
It is necessary to demonstrate that patient remote monitoring initiatives improve clinical outcomes. Not all programs have demonstrated success, so a pilot study can help avoid expensive mistakes.
The current epidemic has provided an opportunity to accelerate the adoption of patient remote monitoring to extend clinical care beyond the walls of the hospital. The leaders should act decisively in establishing new programs by following best in class examples and guidelines.examples and
How to Make Remote Monitoring Tech Part of Everyday Health Care
by Samantha F. Sanders, Ariel D. Stern, and William J. Gordon
HBR July 02, 2020
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