What are the top remote patient monitoring devices for healthcare professionals?

Healthcare professionals are increasingly utilizing a robust arsenal of remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices to empower chronic disease management. These innovative tools provide valuable insights into a patient's health between traditional office visits. The key RPM devices are: Vital Signs Monitors, Pulse Oximeters, Wearable Activity Trackers, Blood Glucose Monitors, Remote Weight Scales, Medication Adherence Monitors, Spirometers, Electrocardiogram (ECG) Monitors, Holter Monitors, etc. RPM devices enables healthcare providers to intervene promptly when readings fall outside normal ranges. This continuous monitoring fosters proactive care, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and a reduced burden on healthcare systems.

Remote healthcare monitoring has revolutionised healthcare services. Advancements in healthcare and technology and Covid 19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote health monitoring and practices. Blood pressure monitors, smart scales, CGM's, blood glucose monitors, CPAP machines, oximeters, ECG monitors are some of the top devices used for patient health monitoring. People have become comfortable using technology to manage their health.Wearable devices such as Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit provide continuous health tracking.

The integration of wearables promises a future where continuous health tracking and proactive care are the norms, empowering both patients and healthcare professionals. As production costs drop, wearable devices will fundamentally change how we think about our own health and manage patient care. In my practice, we use wearables to make the “subjective, objective.” For instance, “I think I slept okay” turns into “you only had 30 minutes of REM sleep; let’s look at why.” This shift will move more care into primary settings; the nuance of personal health and individual experience will still rely on human delivery, for now.

Wearables are easy and handy to monitor patient health immediately, but one has to take care when shifting patient to diagnostic procedures like MRI with wearables as the device may get damaged if taken inside the room

Wearable technology offers significant potential for remote patient monitoring, providing continuous vital sign tracking, early detection of health issues, and increased patient engagement. Real-time data allows clinicians to make timely interventions, potentially reducing hospital admissions. However, concerns about data privacy and accuracy, as well as potential anxiety from constant monitoring, need to be addressed. Additionally, unfamiliarity and discomfort, particularly among older patients, pose challenges, alongside cost and internet connectivity requirements. While wearables present advantages for remote monitoring, successful implementation necessitates careful consideration of these limitations.

CGMs are particularly effective in reducing the incidence of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). They send audible alerts thru an app or a connected device to alert the user of impending lows, allowing users to take corrective action before their blood sugar levels become dangerously low.

Real time glucose monitoring is important now. Patches on the part of the body that can be read right there from the Physician desk.. helps alerts for high or low glucose monitoring, improving diabetes management... while reducing the frequency of finger pricking

In primary care patients that have a glucose monitor don’t utilize it as it was intended. What needs to happen is, once these devices are provided to the pt is continuous reinforcement of how and why it is used is crucial to proper glucose management. Another major concern is which device to give. A private institution has the luxury where many of thier patients can acquire a device without any difficulty. However, in a county or a safety net institution planning on what device is covered with minimal or no insurance becomes a burden to patients and can lead to poor patient outcomes downstream.

Fewer Finger Sticks: Unlike traditional blood glucose meters, which require frequent finger pricks, CGMs offer continuous monitoring without the need for as many invasive tests2. In summary, CGMs empower patients to take proactive steps in managing their diabetes, leading to better overall health and quality of life. If you’re considering using a CGM, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s the right choice for you

Apple Watch's A-fib monitoring could be a further game-changer if it could seamlessly share data with patients' doctors. This technology has a proven track record of saving lives by catching potential heart rhythm problems early. To fully leverage its potential, however, healthcare systems need to invest in training for both executives and providers. This training should focus on creating efficient workflows within hospitals to manage this new wave of tech-empowered patients and expedite their care.

Sleep Quality Analysis: Welltory, an app downloaded on Apple Watch can track & provide detailed insights into sleep patterns & quality, helping users to improve their sleep hygiene. This app particularly helped me analyze my sleep quality in recent time, enabling me to make informed decisions to improve my sleep quality.