There are many interfering factors that need to be addressed once we have finished the pandemic. One thing is already clear: our healthcare system could be disrupted. The COVID-19 Pandemic has not only caused chaos in the world but also has encouraged telehealth to be used as a safer alternative for physical appointments. Remote patient monitoring, one of the most popular areas of telehealth, has emerged in the last two year.
Let’s now see how remote patient monitoring works and how artificial intellect saves us all.
Remote Patient Monitoring: The Basics
Remote patient monitor (RPM), is a rising field in the healthcare sector that uses technology outside the traditional setting of a doctor’s surgery or hospital. RPM can be used in a number of ways to collect data from patients, including vital sign, activity, and many other details.
Fortune Business Insights forecasts that the global remote monitoring devices market will surpass $101 billion by 2028. RPM software is increasingly being used due to the rising incidence of chronic diseases such cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Remote patient monitoring offers many benefits
Remote patient monitoring is a cost-effective way to monitor a person, or group of persons, who aren’t able to be viewed in person. Remote monitoring can also be used to track vital sign information, such as pulse rate or blood pressure. Remote patient monitoring may also be used for patients who are at increased risk of hypothermia.
Cost savings
RPM solutions are extremely cost-saving. RPM solutions are regarded as the best way to lower overall healthcare costs by 69%.
Remote patient monitoring makes it possible for patients to receive professional diagnostics, without the need to travel time or money to the hospital/clinic where they are being seen. Remote treatment is also possible in:
Optimized time spent on patients (no need to take routine vitals and ask questions, as the data is already there)
Increased accessibility of RPM Solutions has resulted in improved communication.
Patient safety has been improved
Hospitals became the center of the spread of contagious disease during the pandemic. Online appointments were the safest option to receive professional advice. Remote patient monitoring lets doctors and nurses monitor their patients from wherever they are located. This helps to prevent them from falling ill in hospitals.
Quality of care
Remote patient monitoring can be a valuable tool to improve patient care. This allows doctors and nurses access patient information remotely, which makes it possible to monitor the patient’s vitals in real time. This information can help patients with chronic illnesses receive better care as they can be monitored more often.
Better patient outcomes
Patients are more likely to follow treatment because doctors and nurses can keep track of their data around the clock. Patients can also live more independently and be involved in their treatment.
Access to better healthcare
Remote patient monitoring is a great way to cut down on inequalities related to traditional healthcare. Online monitoring solutions are available for rural patients who need remote consultations or follow-ups.
How does RPM operate?
There are many RPM platforms on the markets, and they all come in different sizes. Some RPM devices can be used by themselves, while others integrate into existing electronic healthcare records (EHRs). RPM system have one thing in widespread use: they can gather health data from patients and send it to healthcare providers.
RPM solutions enable homecare telehealth capabilities to be embedded in:
Stand-alone medical monitoring devices (patches blood glucose concentration, pulseoximeter, and other)
Implantable devices (e.g., Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs))
Digital platforms allow for 24/7 support and monitoring of patients via digital platforms, which include telehealth.
RPM software connects to the cloud almost always, enabling data sharing compliantly and seamless access for patient data.
Here’s how you deliver the vitals of a patient from RPM to your healthcare provider.
A patient registers with the system in order to have a specific device authenticated.
The system begins monitoring and data collecting via a device for medical purposes.
The device records and transmits data into an RPM server or cloud.
Algorithms analyze patient’s data and generate visualizations.
The doctor accesses visualization and takes the appropriate actions.
How artificial intelligence aids telehealth
The AI market has grown due to the significant impact of artificial Intelligence on healthcare. Artificial intelligence in the healthcare industry is projected to exceed $187 billion by 2030.
Telehealth and remote monitoring have also been affected by AI. AI-driven technologies have transformed RPM systems from a simple data aggregater to an advanced analytics platform. RPM platforms enable physicians to integrate patient data in clinical workflows and make precise predictions.
Artificial intelligence empowers proactive care and more data-driven treatments. Let’s examine the role of machine intelligence.
Diagnosis
According to the L.A. County Department of Health Services Telehealth Monitoring for Diabetic Retinopathy has reduced patient visits by approximately 14,000 visits. If artificial intelligence is used during the screening phase, patient wait times and visits are expected to drop even more.
Machine learning algorithms that classify patients based on their RPM information can then analyze the data and alert them if they are at increased risk of developing certain diseases. Patients can also upload photos of their patients to a secure server. AI can recognize anomalies and spot them without professional assistance.
Treatment plans
The use of artificial intelligence in precision medicine is another benefit. The AI-powered system compares patients’ images with a collection of high-quality, expert-created treatment plans. It then combines this information with personal health data in order to create a personalized plan.
IBM states that expert systems are able to group patients based upon similar treatment responses. This allows for the creation of the optimal treatment plan.
Patient engagement
AI in remote monitoring can also help with patient engagement in medication adherence, or scheduling appointments. AI can be used for generating action items through analysis of software data. Chatbots are an indispensable tool for automated communication, better access to medical care, and the use of NLP and AI.
Chronic disease management
Complexities associated with chronic disease management are still a new frontier for the healthcare sector. AI can recognize early signs in patients’ data that indicate the presence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or kidney disease. Algorithms can help identify CKD sufferers based on their stage and the presence acute kidney injury.
Remote patient monitoring with AI: A match made to heaven
Remote patient monitors are a crucial addition to the existing healthcare system. They make professional diagnosis and treatment available to everyone. RPM software integrates artificial intelligence to improve its data processing capabilities. It can also be used as a complementing tool for offline treatments. Artificial intelligence aids in efficient disease diagnosis, personalized treatment and prevention, which improve patient outcomes and promote proactive treatment.