More than 15.5 million patients are now being monitored remotely. This technological advancement gives doctors, nurses, and other caregivers better access to regular health data without having to physically monitor patients.
The trend toward using a wireless patient monitoring system to keep an eye on vital signs continues to grow. Researchers predict that 83.4 million people will be monitored using a wireless patient monitoring system by 2023. Already, 88% of health systems and hospitals have invested in or plan to invest in remote patient monitoring solutions.
The Challenges of Traditional Remote Patient Monitoring Programs
While many healthcare providers are now offering remote monitoring programs, there are still challenges. Most traditional programs rely on monitoring kits with multiple devices, such as:
- Blood pressure cuff
- Thermometer
- Weight scale
- Pulse oximeter
Patients are asked to record their vital signs multiple times daily and report the results. The quality and accuracy of the information depend on the patients using the devices at the appropriate times, using them properly, and recording (and reporting) the information accurately.
Patient compliance often becomes a significant challenge. They have to juggle multiple devices and may experience technical problems using the device kit.
There is a better solution: a single-device wireless patient monitoring system.
Single-Device Wireless Patient Monitoring System
This system simplifies the process of accurately using, recording, and reporting data. The data is all gathered within a single device, without the juggling of monitoring kits. It is also recorded automatically, so there is no more concern about the accuracy of the data. Data can be monitored continuously, and patients won’t have to worry about forgetting to take readings at the appropriate time.
Since data is recorded in real time, you get a more accurate picture of a patient’s condition. When there are only snapshot readings, measurements are impacted by a patient’s activity. This can cause readings to appear better or worse than they are over time. The continuous monitoring of data provides a more comprehensive picture of a patient’s health and thousands of data points to enable better comparisons to baselines.
With a wearable single-device wireless patient monitoring system, such as the Oxitone 1000M, patients wear it the same way that they would wear a watch. From a single device, you get the continuous passive monitoring of vital signs, such as:
- Respiration
- Blood oxygen saturation
- Mobility
- Pulse rate and HRV
- Skin temperature
- Sleep patterns
It provides healthcare providers and caregivers with real-time access to accurate information. It also significantly improves patient compliance.
With the Rise in Telehealth, Reliable Data Becomes More Crucial
Recently, there has been a significant rise in the use of telehealth services. Patients are more comfortable using telemedicine and using it at an increased rate. A survey of private insurance claims shows that telehealth visits now account for as much as 13% of claims.
Single-device wireless patient monitoring systems provide caregivers with data to use during telehealth visits without having to rely on patients to self-report. Not only do healthcare providers get accurate data that they can trust, but they also don’t have to worry about patients holding back important information.
A recent survey revealed that 80% of patients withheld information from their doctors. Continuous remote patient monitoring also helps with what many healthcare practitioners refer to as “dealing with Dr. Google.” Patients often search online, self-diagnose, and report the symptoms that support what they found. In many cases, patients fail to report symptoms or vital signs that do not support a Google diagnosis.
The Oxitone 1000M
The Oxitone 1000M is the world’s first FDA-cleared wrist-sensor pulse oximeter. It is easy to use, has Bluetooth connectivity with a rechargeable battery, and does not require a fingertip probe. Patients put it on their wrist, and the Oxitone 1000M records data automatically.
Caregivers get real-time data remotely that can help provide better insight into patient conditions. Artificial intelligence constantly compares new data against established baselines, detects anomalies, and predicts adverse exacerbations before they occur. Even subtle changes that may lead to adverse reactions can be detected.
If patients are being treated at home, this can provide an earlier warning of potential problems. For patients in treatment facilities or nursing homes, the Oxitone 1000M can alert caregivers earlier to changes in a patient’s condition. Research shows that half of the adverse patient events that occur in treatment facilities are preventable. By providing continuous real-time monitoring, adverse events can often be caught and treated earlier. This is especially important for the treatment of both acute and chronic care patients.
Here at Oxitone, we boost value-based healthcare by delivering extraordinary patient, clinical, and economical outcomes at reduced medical utilization and cost. Patients need a prompt response to emergencies. Physicians need an easy and timely follow-up with patients. Our mission is to transform chronic disease management and help save lives worldwide.
Let’s save lives together! To see how we help remote patient monitoring companies and physicians improve the management and care of high-risk patients, contact us today!