Real-World RPM Applications That Improve Patient Outcomes
Real use cases that show how RPMs can be used to enhance patient care
It’s no secret that remote patient monitoring (RPM) technologies are transforming how we approach healthcare. However, there’s still some uncertainty regarding how these advanced tools can be integrated and used to better patient care. With RPM poised to increase in the coming years, especially with the elevating prevalence of chronic disease, leaders should aim to be aware of and prepared for its potential.
Below, we’ll dive into some examples of how RPM has been utilized to enhance patient outcomes and boost efficiency.
RPM for patients with heart failure
Currently, data shows that nearly 6.7 million U.S. adults over 20 years of age are affected by heart failure. With risk factors for heart failure rising, like obesity, it’s projected that this number will increase to 8.5 million by 2030.
Heart failure is a costly health burden that’s associated with poor outcomes, so proper management is critical. RPM technology can make ongoing care possible while also being convenient for all parties involved.
RPMs may improve quality of life
A 2020 study examined evidence supporting RPM strategies in heart failure management and identified RPM features linked to clinical efficacy. The authors shared how there were numerous RPM devices for data collection, such as:
Non-invasive devices: Blood pressure cuffs, weight scales, pulse oximeters, etc.
Invasive devices: Hemodynamic sensors that automatically measure intracardiac pressures and cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) that capture heart rates and detect and treat tachyarrhythmias.
Emerging digital health tools: This includes wearable sensors that can track steps, bed sensors that measure respiratory rates, and a wearable vest for monitoring intrathoracic fluid content.
While all devices in the study aided with improving clinical workflows, researchers assessed that invasive devices garnered more efficacy. They shared an example of how the hemodynamic sensor, CardioMEMS, was associated with a 37% deduction in heart failure hospitalizations at six months. They also noted that patients had improved quality-of-life assessments.
As we shift towards value-based care, facilities may be incentivized for RPM activities and penalized for heart failure readmissions. Therefore, leaders should begin assessing how to integrate these tools into their organizations.
Utilizing RPM technology for diabetes
In 2022, the total approximate cost of diagnosed diabetes was $412.9 billion, making it the most expensive chronic condition in the United States. Several studies have looked at remote patient monitoring as a potential solution to these growing concerns, which we’ll discuss below.
RPM and diabetes adherence rates in Medicaid patients
A retrospective cohort study evaluated data from an RPM company providing services to Medicaid patients with diabetes in Texas. Researchers aimed to assess the adherence of daily RPM protocols in a real-world setting.
They specifically used a blood glucose monitor for self-monitoring, where patients had to complete finger pricks to test and transmit their blood glucose levels. These tools tend to be a more cost-effective approach for older people living in poverty than continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
Patients would receive a reminder call if transmission didn’t happen by a specific time each day. In addition, a nurse would receive an automated alert if a patient's levels fell outside the physician-defined appropriate parameters. From there, a nurse would call the patient to check in, then email and/or contact a physician based on the level of concern.
This process is more efficient. Since it's automated, the nurse can spend less time conducting test procedures and more time analyzing and responding to data.
The authors found that the final adherence rate for the RPM system was over 70%, with approximately half of the patients achieving an adherence rate of about 90%. Ultimately, they determined that the remote patient monitoring device helped manage diabetes in Medicaid patients by improving adherence rates and glycemic control.
RPM for diabetes mellitus in pregnancy
In another study, a clinic moved from paper-based blood glucose logs to Bluetooth glucometers. Researchers wanted to observe if the latter led to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. The results showed that compared to the patients managed with paper logs, those utilizing RPM:
Submitted more glucose values
Were more likely to achieve glycemic control in the target range
Achieved the target range sooner
The authors also noted that they were attaining these results without escalating in-person visits. Patients using RPM devices had lower rates of preeclampsia, and infants had reduced rates of neonatal hypoglycemia in the first 24 hours of life.
This demonstrates that RPM tools can boost patient welfare and likely lead to better practice efficiencies.
RPM implementation and acute care reduction
A 2021 systemic review assessed whether RPM tools may decrease acute hospital use. Chronic ailments are often linked to increased unplanned hospital visits. However, early detection and proactive interventions prevent many of these encounters.
Various types of RPM technology were assessed in this study, such as:
CIEDs, including implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT,) including those with defibrillators (CRT-Ds) and pacemakers
Tablet or computer applications
Telephone or smartphone applications
Websites
Other technologies like an electronic health diary, inhaler, or medication device
The results revealed that RPM use for COPD and CVD decreased the length of stay, emergency department visits and admissions. However, patients utilizing CRT devices had the most significant incidence of hospital reductions, suggesting that patients who are more sickly may see the most benefits.
RPM for decreasing patient falls
While often used for chronic disease management, remote patient monitoring can improve patient safety, as well. For Hospitals, inpatient falls can be devastating, as they can worsen patient outcomes, increase healthcare utilization and result in non-reimbursable costs.
A 2024 study sought to discover the efficacy of remote patient monitoring in decreasing falls and fall-related injuries. Researchers extracted electronic health record data from a 13-hospital integrated health system and analyzed incidence rate ratios.
They found that RPM tools could decrease falls, promote better patient safety and decrease hospital expenditures. In fact, when RPM was used alongside their standard fall precautions, they saw a 33.7% reduction in falls and a 47.4% decrease in fall-related injuries. Fall-related expenses lowered by $304,400, resulting in a combined system-wide savings of over $2,000,000 annually.
RPM and virtual care support improved patient clinical results
As we’ve reviewed, there are many ways to integrate remote patient monitoring into an organization — and the results speak for themselves. However, RPM isn’t meant to work in silos. It’s designed to work alongside other telehealth tools and providers so patients can seamlessly access healthcare services and maintain continuity of care.
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