Do you have trouble distinguishing between remote patient monitoring, telehealth, telemedicine, and all of the other buzzwords for digital healthcare? Let’s dive in and clarify it.
Despite their overlap, the terms Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) have significant distinctions between the two.
Telehealth refers to the use of technology to deliver care at a distance. At the same time, RPM is a specific type of telehealth that focuses on using data and technology to monitor patients remotely.
You can use RPM for a variety of purposes, including disease management, follow-up care, and medication adherence. Studies have shown that RPM can improve outcomes and reduce costs, making it an attractive option for both patients and providers.
When choosing between telehealth and RPM, it is important to consider the patient’s specific needs and the care team’s goals. RPM may be the better option if the goal is to improve outcomes and reduce costs. If the goal is to provide care at a distance or for a broader range of purposes, then telehealth may be the better choice.
Telehealth is the use of technology to deliver care at a distance. Therefore, you can use it for a variety of purposes, such as consultation, diagnosis, and treatment. There are numerous ways to deliver Telehealth including in-person and technology, such as video conferencing or wearable devices.
RPM is a type of telehealth that focuses on the use of data and technology to monitor patients remotely. You can utilize RPM for several objectives, such as illness management, follow-up care, and drug adherence. For both patients and physicians, it is a desirable alternative because it enhances outcomes and lowers costs.
There are some key differences between Telehealth and RPM:
The goal of RPM, on the other hand, is to achieve specific outcomes, such as managing a disease or adhering to medication, whereas the goal of telehealth is to achieve a broad range of outcomes and achieve a variety of goals.
While remote patient monitoring is done via data and technology, telehealth can be delivered either in person or via technology.
Telehealth’s evidence base is still developing, while RPM improves outcomes and reduces costs.
Why Choose RPM?
In addition to being attractive to patients, RPM is also attractive to providers as it improves outcomes and reduces costs.
You can use RPM for a variety of purposes, such as disease management, follow-up care, and medication adherence. As a result, it can be tailored to the needs of each patient individually.
RPM requires the use of data and technology to monitor patients remotely. This makes it an ideal solution for patients who are unable to come into the office for regular appointments.
How to get started with RPM?
Getting started with RPM involves a few steps:
Choose a platform: There are many different RPM platforms available, so it’s important to choose one that will meet the needs of both you and your patients.
Set up your devices: As soon as you choose your platform, you will have to set up the monitoring devices. This typically includes a blood pressure cuff, weight scale, and glucometer.
Train your staff: It’s important to train your staff on how to use the RPM platform and devices. This will help ensure that they are able to monitor patients properly and provide them with the best possible care.
Implement policies and procedures: In order to maximize the benefits of RPM, it’s essential to have policies and procedures in place for things like data collection and privacy.
Evaluate results: Periodically review the data collected by the RPM platform to ensure that it is providing the desired results.
The benefits of RPM
There are many benefits of using RPM, including:
Improved outcomes: RPM has been shown to improve a variety of outcomes, such as blood pressure control, glycemic control, and medication adherence.
Reduced costs: RPM can help reduce the overall cost of care by reducing hospitalizations and emergency department visits.
Increased access to care: RPM can provide patients with access to care that they otherwise would not have. This is especially beneficial for patients who live in rural or underserved areas.
Improved convenience: RPM can be used to remotely monitor patients, making it more convenient for both patients and providers.
Improved communication: RPM can enhance communication between patients and providers, improving overall care.
There are many other benefits of using RPM, making it an attractive option for both patients and providers.
Conclusion
When it comes to remote patient monitoring (RPM), telehealth, and disease management, there are a few key differences. RPM is much more focused, whereas telehealth has a broader scope. Another significant difference between RPM and telehealth is that RPM requires data and technology to remotely monitor patients, whereas telehealth can be done in person or over the phone.
RPM has been shown to improve outcomes while lowering costs, making it appealing to both patients and providers. If you want to use RPM, first choose a platform and then configure your devices. After that, train your staff on how to use the system properly. It’s important to have policies and procedures in place for data collection and privacy before implementing RPM.
Lastly, review the data collected periodically to ensure that it is providing the desired results. There are many benefits of using RPM, including improved communication, increased access to care, and improved convenience.
Related article: Maximize Value-Based Care with CCM and RPM
