When selecting remote monitoring devices (RMD) for your patients, it is good to understand which conditions the remote monitoring devices support, such as fall detection and blood pressure. This is important because some patients can experience health problems regularly, and it may be necessary to monitor their vital signs often. RMDs give anybody who lives alone or is confined to their homes a feeling of security and calm, knowing that skilled professionals are keeping an eye on them in the event of an emergency.
Here are some things you should consider when choosing remote monitoring devices for your patients.
What are Remote Monitoring Devices?
RMD are tools that allow caregivers to monitor the vital signs of a patient’s health in a remote location. These devices communicate with patient sensors and transmit the data to computers, which then process it independently.
Remote monitoring devices collect data about a patient’s health condition and transmit that data to a healthcare provider. The information is used to make decisions about the patient’s care, such as adjusting medication doses or providing other interventions. Many different types of RMD are available, and new technologies are constantly being developed. Some common remote monitoring devices include:
- Blood Pressure Monitors
- Heart Rate Monitors
- Glucose Monitors
- Fall Detection Devices
- Thermometers
- Activity and Sleep Trackers
- Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitors
- Medication Dispensers
Related Article: Remote Patient Monitoring vs Telehealth
3 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Remote Monitoring Devices for Your Patients
1. The health care demands of Specific patients:
Not all patients have the same health care needs. It is important to evaluate the health care needs of each patient and see what options are available for RMD. For example, one patient may need help with medication reminders and blood pressure monitoring, but another may need treatment for fall detection. This depends on the skill level of that patient and their preferences. The healthcare demands of specific patients vary greatly depending on each patient’s healthcare needs. Some conditions, such as heart rhythm disorders, can be very complex and require a more sophisticated monitoring device.
2. Your Patient Location
It is important to determine whether your patient’s home is easily accessed using RMD. Patient location may hinder the connectivity of RMD. Suppose a patient lives in an area with weak signal reception or a difficult access location. In that case, they may be unable to connect to the RMD using their home Wi-Fi network.
Remote monitoring devices usually have two connectivity options:
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Cellular
Cellular depends on telephone networks, varying signal strengths depending on location and terrain. Not all cellular remote monitoring devices will work your patients, especially those in rural areas.
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Bluetooth
Bluetooth uses internet connectivity. Bluetooth is less susceptible to signal interference and more reliable for rural areas. However, it requires high-speed internet connectivity. So you must ensure the patient’s internet connection is stable. The best way to determine whether your patient’s home is well connected to the internet is to test their reception with a device designed for remote monitoring patients.
If you are unsure about the signal strength, we recommend testing before choosing an RMD. The depth of the signal is also important because certain conditions require greater signal strength, like blood pressure monitoring and fall detection.
3. Patient Barriers
Sometimes, there are barriers to using remote monitoring devices in your patient’s home. These barriers can include:
1. Ease of Use
How easy is it for your patients to operate the RMD? For example, some patients are not technologically-savvy. They may not know how to operate the remote monitoring system properly. This can create a barrier to using the device. Cellular devices are easier to use compared to Bluetooth devices because of cellular devices.
2. Patients with Communication Barriers
Some patients may have trouble using their RMD because they cannot read well or do not speak English. This can prevent them from using their remote monitoring devices at all.
For patients with communication barriers, we recommend choosing a user-friendly device. This will allow them to use the remote monitoring device without difficulty and enjoy the benefits of continuous remote monitoring care.
3. Cost of Use
Some remote monitoring devices are more expensive than others. Before choosing, you need to check if the remotely-monitored devices you have chosen have reasonable cost concessions. For example, some RMDs are more expensive than others because they require a high-speed internet connection.
Conclusion
Before choosing remote monitoring devices for your patients, it is essential to understand the health care demands of specific patients, as well as their location and communication barrier issues. This will help you choose the most suitable devices for their needs. Ensure that you use the RMD in a way that does not cause a significant financial burden on your patient.
