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Remote Patient Monitoring RPM

Question: Is it possible to efficiently monitor patients in a remote location? Is remote monitoring of patients cost effective in the healthcare industry?

Introduction: What is remote monitoring of patients? I. Introduction: What is remote monitoring of patients? A. What it is: 1. Remote monitoring allows caregivers to provide healthcare to people who live in areas that do not have access to major medical facilities. It also allows people to be monitored in their homes instead of hospitals or nursing homes. II. Why it’s important: A. Some people don’t have access to hospitals on a regular basis 1. People who live in rural areas 2. People who do not have transportation 3. Disabled/Senior citizen patients who are unable to travel B. People cannot afford treatment from any caregiver 1. Need cheaper way to see physicians/nurses 2. Software can alert patients of abnormal vital signs a. It can also tell the patient how to treat themselves i. For example, “Your blood sugar is low!” C. More efficient monitoring of patients anywhere 1. Patients in hospitals 2. Patients outside of hospitals III. Who should use it? A. Hospitals 1. Nurses can monitor several patients at once a. Even if hospitals are understaffed B. Outside of hospitals 1. Outpatients who just had surgery and need to be monitored regularly 2. Seniors who cannot travel to medical facilities a. Seniors who do not want to live in nursing homes 3. People who cannot afford a hospital visit 4. People with chronic conditions/diseases who need regular monitoring 5. People travelling a. Outside of country IV. Various technologies used to monitor patients A. MIT Medical Lab Mirror 1. Standard webcam reads vital signs 2. Can send vital signs to doctor/nurse via internet B. Watch checks vital signs 1. Patient can wear a watch that checks vital signs 2. Great for patients who need regular monitoring C. Wellness Connected 1. Blood pressure, weight and activity monitor 2. Sends info to doctor D. Hospital computers/monitors 1. Nurses can monitor all patients on a floor all in one screen E. Health Point 1500 1. In home benefits for elders 2. Keeps them connected to family, friends, caregivers F. Webcam doctor’s visits so doctors can SEE patient! 1. Many doctors/patients feel this is important to diagnose properly V. What are the benefits A. Remote patient monitoring collects, transmits, and evaluates data. It notifies patient/caregiver, and intervenes! B. For doctors 1. Less staffing in medical facilities, lowers hospital costs 2. More efficient monitoring of patients C. For patients 1. Less travel to medical facilities 2. Costs less – Less doctor visits 3. Patients can monitor themselves 4. Some seniors do not have to live in nursing homes 5. Live longer! VI. What are the drawbacks A. Who wants to be monitored? 1. Fear of big brother B. People reluctant to use technology 1. Afraid it’s not reliable 2. Elderly do not know how to use it C. Patients want to be SEEN by their doctors D. Who’s paying for patients when they live longer? 1. Social Security 2. Government VII. Cost effective? A. YES! 1. Less patient travel costs 2. Less nurses required in medical facilities a. Possibly less nursing homes 3. Less doctor visit costs