A remote patient monitoring device is a small device worn by the patient and transmits data to a central monitoring station. Some of these devices are clipped onto clothing or implanted under the skin or wristbands, which may be worn on the wrist.
The main purpose of remote patient monitoring is to allow doctors and nurses to keep tabs on their patients when they are out of the hospital. The doctors and nurses can analyze the data transmitted from the patient’s body at the remote station to assess the patient’s condition.
Why is remote patient monitoring important?
Remote patient monitoring can be used when it is difficult or impossible for people to physically travel to a medical facility. For example, it can be used in hospitals where there has been an outbreak of the disease in one facility, but it has not yet spread to other facilities within the organization. In these cases, it is often possible for only one person at each facility to have access to this information. But this person needs to remain at their facility so that they can provide care while others are away from their homes or jobs.
Here are seven common remote patient monitoring devices
1. Blood pressure cuff
A blood pressure cuff is the most common remote patient monitoring device. It is a small, lightweight device that fits around your arm or wrist and can be used to measure your blood pressure. The cuff has a series of elastic bands that contract when you put pressure on it. The pressure needed to contract the bands is determined by how much force you apply to them with your hand.
2. Glucometer
A glucometer is a device that measures the glucose level in a person’s blood. It is used mainly by diabetic patients but can also be used on non-diabetic patients with low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. A glucometer allows a patient to test their blood sugar levels without having to go through the hassle of finding an office or hospital where one can do so.
3. Pulse oximetry
Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive technique for measuring oxygen saturation in the blood. It uses light to measure the amount of light that passes through blood. A pulse oximeter looks like a finger-sized box with a small wand attached to it. The patient holds the device against their forehead and moves it back and forth while watching a display on its screen.
Pulse oximeters can measure oxygen saturation in adults, children, and infants. They can also be used while patients are breathing room air or inhaling supplemental oxygen.
4. ECG + Stethoscope
Several devices are used to monitor a patient’s heart and blood pressure. The most common is the ECG monitor, which includes electrodes placed on the chest and arm. The device records electrical signals from the heart, which are then interpreted by an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine. The device can also record blood pressure and other vital signs, such as breathing rate and oxygen saturation.
The stethoscope is used for listening to sounds made by the body during normal or abnormal conditions such as a murmur. It comes in two types: a traditional earpiece that fits into the ear canal and an internal stethoscope that fits inside the chest cavity, just above the lungs. The stethoscope allows doctors to distinguish between normal and abnormal sounds from organs such as the heart or lungs.
5. Wearables
Wearables are the most popular remote patient monitoring device, allowing patients to track their health data in real time. These devices can be worn on the wrist or ankle and monitor heart rate, blood pressure and other vital signs. Some wearables include a small battery pack to be used for up to 12 hours at a time. Some wearables also include GPS tracking, which lets doctors know where patients are at all times.
6. Thermometer
One of the key aspects of remote patient monitoring is the ability to monitor a patient’s temperature. This can be done with a thermometer, which requires no batteries and no power source. The thermometer will usually have an accuracy of +/-0.5 degrees Celsius, so you must use it correctly. Patients should be monitored for fever or abnormal body temperatures at least once every hour.
7. Scale
The scale is a remote patient monitoring device that can measure weight and body mass index (BMI) with a set of extra-large scales for adults, children, and infants. It tracks weight, BMI, physical activity, and sleep quality. The scale connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0 or Wi-Fi, and you can use the app to share your results with family members or doctors.
Remote patient monitoring devices offer advantages to patients and healthcare providers. In addition, remote transmission of health data could improve the quality of chronic disease care and help lower the overall costs of medical services.