What is Remote Patient Monitoring and What Can it Do For You?
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is the ability to monitor and manage patients effectively in non-traditional healthcare settings.
- RPM uses digital technologies to collect health data from an individual’s location, such as a patient’s home.
- Vital information is electronically transmitted to healthcare providers in a different location for assessment and recommendations.
- RPM is a non-invasive technology presently being integrated into chronic disease management strategies to provide additional patient information, with the goal of improving the individual’s healthcare decision-making.
Does Remote Patient Monitoring Reduce Acute Care Use?
A 2021 systematic review of 91 studies found that remote patient monitoring
- detected disease exacerbations
- facilitated proactive disease management
- reduced hospital admissions
- reduced length of stay and emergency department presentations especially for patients with cardiovascular disease and COPD
Does an Increased Access to Personal Health Information Encourage Individuals to Make Healthier Lifestyle Choices?
A 2021 systematic review found that the use of wearable activity trackers improved conscious exercise behaviour. While this is promising, the effectiveness depended on the individual’s motivation and adherence.
Is Remote Patient Monitoring Worth it? 
From 2015 to 2019 the telemedicine market in Australia and New Zealand recorded an annual growth of 44 percent.
In 2017–18, people living in ‘inner’ regional and ‘outer’ regional and remote areas were more likely to engage in risky behaviours, such as smoking and consuming alcohol at levels that put them at risk of lifetime harm, compared with people living in major cities.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare around 7 million people—about 28% of the Australian population—live in rural and remote areas.
Given the remoteness of such a significant portion of the Australian population, RPM is a game-changer within the health industry.
If you would like further information or a demonstration of our products, please contact Aaron Grandison at info@rpm-h.com.au
References:
Does remote patient monitoring reduce acute care use? A systematic review | BMJ Open
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/rural-and-remote-health