Did you know that over 3.6 million patients cannot get the healthcare they need because of transportation issues?
The past several years have highlighted the need for solutions to improve health access and patient health tracking. Telehealth, including remote patient monitoring software, is currently leading the way in addressing these challenges.
Patients sometimes need monitoring or regular communication with their carers. So, what happens when they cannot visit a clinic in person?
Remote patient monitoring is one of the best solutions for healthcare providers and patients. Read on to learn everything about this software and its benefits, which are revolutionizing healthcare.
What Is Remote Patient Monitoring?
Telehealth has come a long way since its introduction in the late 1950s. Now there are a variety of software solutions. These solutions leverage the development of technology to treat patients.
One of these types of software is remote patient monitoring. Remote patient monitoring is also known as patient health tracking. It is a type of telehealth care.
Healthcare providers can care for patients using digital devices such as:
- Blood pressure monitors
- Pulse oximeters
- Blood glucose monitors
- Weight scales
- Heart rhythm monitors
Some patients are used to using devices to monitor healthcare conditions. Remote patient monitoring software allows them to share data easily with healthcare providers. As a result, healthcare providers can efficiently monitor patient healthcare from a distance.
Remote Patient Monitoring Software
Remote patient software supports remote patient health tracking needs. The software has the following features:
- Patient devices
- Data storage
- Patient data analytics
- Patient interfaces
- Healthcare provider interfaces
Usually, the patient has the medical devices at their home. These may include wearable devices, or the patient may have to take the reading at specific intervals.
The software allows the devices to send readings directly to healthcare providers. The data will be uploaded to a secure interface or integrated with the patient’s electronic records for providers to evaluate. The healthcare providers then can share the information with the patient’s healthcare team.
Patients Who Benefit
There are a range of patients who can benefit from this software. These include patients with considerations such as:
- Mobility issues
- Patients who live rurally
- Time constraints
- Anxiety over medical appointments
- Those who need to isolate
- Patients with familiar medical conditions
Remote patient monitoring software is not for medical emergencies. Providers use it to monitor a range of conditions that can be managed remotely. The amount of conditions that can be treated continues to increase as the software develops.
Patients with well-documented conditions can benefit, especially when it is hard for them to visit their healthcare provider in person. This may be due to a physical or mental condition. It may also be because of external factors, such as living rurally or other commitments.
How Healthcare Providers Use Software
The remote patient monitoring market continues to grow. It is estimated that by 2030 it will be worth $4.07 billion. There are various reasons for this, including the fact that healthcare providers can utilize remote monitoring software in different ways.
Here are some of the ways healthcare providers use the software.
Detect Health Changes
Remote patient monitoring software offers real-time detection of illnesses. Patient health tracking allows providers to view patient data securely when needed. They can monitor patients closely without concerns about delays to treatment while waiting for a patient to attend the clinic.
Monitor Healthcare Conditions
Many conditions can be managed without in-patient visits. However, in the past, healthcare providers didn’t have the necessary data to do this safely.
Healthcare providers can now monitor conditions with ease. They can determine if a patient is on the road to recovery or if other action needs to be taken. They can also safely check if a patient is contagious and needs to stay isolated.
Create Personalized Healthcare Plans
Healthcare providers use software to create and modify patient care plans. The data gives them precise information to make informed healthcare decisions. These healthcare plans may include:
- Medication support
- Device training
- Patient engagement tools
- Healthy living recommendations
Remote patient monitoring software means professionals can keep care plans updated. There is no worry about delays to treatment or out-of-date care plans. The providers can access healthcare information whenever they need it and instruct patients on the best ways to manage conditions.
Check Patient Engagement
Providers also use software to check patient engagement with treatment. If there are concerns with a patient’s engagement, they can evaluate what steps need to be taken so the patient can manage their conditions with more ease. Providers can analyze data and stay in regular contact with patients to make collaborative care decisions.
Further Treatment Recommendations
Healthcare providers also use software to provide prompt treatment recommendations to patients. If there are changes to a patient’s condition, they may need specialist treatment. Or they may need another type of physical monitoring.
Healthcare Solutions
How physicians use remote monitoring partly depends on the software. For example, BlueStar Telehealth includes monitoring for:
- Hypertension management
- Maternal health
- Transitional Care Management
- Chronic condition management
It also offers:
- Hospitals remote monitoring
- Patient engagement tools
- Integration of EMR
For example, a patient can receive reminders to take insulin. The glucose monitors will also allow monitoring of the condition.
Another solution is for patients with COPD. They can wear a pulse oximeter. Their statistics then get sent to their care team for more effective COPD management.
Benefits of Remote Patient Monitoring
Over 23 million patients are using remote patient monitoring solutions. It is estimated that by 2025, this number will have reached 70.6 million in the US alone.
There are many reasons for the growing adoption of remote monitoring technology. Here are some of the top benefits.
Improved Healthcare Access
One of the main reasons healthcare providers use remote monitoring software is to address issues with healthcare access. Patients can stay comfortable in their homes and focus on recovery instead of worrying about how to get to appointments.
It provides access to anyone who struggles to reach a clinic in person regularly. Healthcare providers also have access to data to work with to make more informed healthcare decisions for their patients.
Early Health Issue Identification
Patient health tracking allows providers to identify any health issues and take action promptly. There is less risk of patient health deteriorating between in-person visits due to regular remote monitoring.
Many patients who need regular monitoring are at higher risk of health emergencies such as falls. Providers use software to check for sudden changes to health or abnormalities in vital signs. They can use data to provide early interventions and take preventative steps to safeguard patients.
Patient Empowerment
Patients can often feel powerless when they cannot reach in-person appointments. Providers can use software to empower patients,
Patients can feel more in control of their health from the comfort of their own homes. Remote monitoring allows them to participate in physical health monitoring actively.
Patient-Centered Care
The software helps providers work collaboratively with patients. Data provides the insights they need to provide personalized care plans. Providers have more insights into a patient’s condition and can adapt care to suit their individual needs.
Improved Patient Engagement
Patient monitoring software can help improve patient engagement. The software can include features such as reminders to take medication. This helps patients engage with their treatment plan.
Patients do not have to worry about sacrificing their own health needs due to mobility constraints. The convenience helps them engage with the monitoring and feel more involved in their journey to optimum health. 43% of surveyed US residents rate convenience as a top benefit of remote monitoring.
Cost-Effective Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring software is also cost-effective. There are several reasons for this, including:
- Early detection, which reduces severe health conditions
- Better patient outcomes
- Fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits
Monitoring also saves patient transport costs and the cost of missed appointments. Plus, early detection is not only cost-effective but also priceless. Early detection can be life-saving for patients, preventing deterioration in health.
Safer
Patient health tracking provides all parties with peace of mind. It can be the extra security a person needs to focus on recovery. For example, those that are at risk of falls can call for assistance fast, reducing complication risks.
Preventative Healthcare
As they say, prevention is better than cure. Healthcare providers do not only use remote monitoring software to treat conditions. They also use it to prevent conditions.
If a patient is at risk of a condition worsening or developing a condition, remote monitoring can help. It can provide the early intervention needed, so a patient can take charge of their health once more.
Improved Health Outcomes With Telehealth
It is time to invest in telehealth solutions such as remote patient monitoring software. Healthcare providers can use patient health tracking in various ways to improve health outcomes. Remote carers, healthcare providers, and patients all benefit from this technology.
It is essential to find the best software for your healthcare needs. BlueStar provides telehealth services to clinical caregivers. We operate in 50 different states and would be happy to help you. Contact us today to learn more about our software solutions.
