Remote patient monitoring (RPM) apps provide a realistic, practical, patient-centered option for the management of chronic diseases.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Apps
Peter Bajwa is the Director of Technology & Innovation at App-scoop Solutions Inc. and a thought leader in the healthtech space.
Who wouldn't want to manage their health from the comfort of home? Remote patient monitoring (RPM) apps make this possible for many, allowing you to continuously collect and share health data with your doctor using your smartphone or tablet. Increasing strain on the healthcare system is one of many reasons patients can't stay longer in hospitals. In addition, post-procedural success in recuperating comes down to how good patients look after themselves at home. RPM apps can help patients better manage chronic health conditions from afar and eventually reduce hospital visits.
The rising demand for remote healthcare is fueled by several factors. Smartphones, health gadgets, wearables and other associated devices have made it easier than ever to gather and provide health data. Convenience is another major factor contributing to the surging demand. RPM apps allow patients to monitor their health at a time that's convenient for them. With access to these apps, patients can reduce in-person appointments.
Utilizing RPM apps begins with your doctors. They will assess your needs and recommend a monitoring tool that relays reliable health information about your condition. This may include vitals such as blood pressure, weight or, in the event of a diabetic, blood sugar levels.
Advantages Of RPM Apps
RPM apps offer advantages for both patients and healthcare providers. Here's a closer look at some of the key benefits.
- Improved Management Of Chronic Diseases: RPM applications can help patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and COPD, among others. Through monitoring the vital signs and symptoms of a patient, a physician can recognize trends and respond by suggesting lifestyle adjustments, modifying treatment plans or prescribing the correct medication.
- Healthcare Cost Savings: Reduced visits to doctors and hospitals translate to lower healthcare costs. Earlier detection of health problems through the data regularly reported to healthcare specialists can prevent complications that would require more expensive intervention.
- Higher Patient Engagement: RPM apps allow patients to take an active role in the healthcare system. Patients feel more connected to their own healthcare and may be more willing to change their lifestyle if they get the full scope of information about their health.
- Better Patient Outcomes: Research has proven that RPM systems can improve patient outcomes. For example, a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study demonstrated that using RPM can help in maintaining blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
Challenges Of RPM Apps
Although there are benefits to using RPM apps, there are also challenges to consider. When implementing RPM apps, here are a few things you should know.
- Security And Privacy: These features are a huge concern in the RPM app domain. When working with a developer or purchasing an RPM solution, assurance should be given that health information is well protected. RPM apps must protect sensitive patient data from unauthorized access and breaches. All reputable RPM apps will be HIPAA-compliant, which outlines the standards for protecting health information.
- Accessibility Issues For Seniors: A large portion of the patient population consists of older people who don't always feel comfortable with cell phones and applications or are adept at using them. This group may require additional support, such as in-person demonstrations and assistance by healthcare professionals to use the technology properly. Tackling such accessibility concerns is essential to ensuring that RPM technology is widely adopted among seniors.
- Cost Considerations: The implementation and maintenance of RPM systems can be costly for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients may have to bear the expenses of acquiring compatible monitoring devices and could incur service fees. These costs can influence the uptake of RPM systems with individual patients and smaller practices.
- Routine Usage Difficulties: Patients, even if reminded, may not use RPM applications daily. For certain health conditions or patients, a passive background RPM application that doesn't involve frequent logins, manual data entry or such inputs by the patient might be more appropriate. By creating user-friendly interfaces, the need for active engagement can be reduced and compliance substantially improved.
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) apps provide a realistic, practical, patient-centered option for the management of chronic diseases. Despite some challenges, RPM technology can contribute to a healthier population. It does so by improving the quality of information available to both patients and healthcare providers, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and a more connected healthcare system. If you're considering implementing RPM apps in your organization or practice, make sure to work with a developer who knows how to best take advantage of the benefits while mitigating the challenges of RPM implementation.
Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify? Follow me on LinkedIn. Check out my website. Peter Bajwa Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions
author Forbes Councils Member,Peter Bajwa