Chronic illnesses affect many aspects of quality of life and require ongoing medical attention, significantly impacting patients in the home healthcare space. Managing patients with chronic illnesses requires a comprehensive approach to care that includes patient education, caregiver support, and care coordination among healthcare providers. Home health services play a vital role in chronic illness management, enhancing patient satisfaction and comfort and reducing emergency events by addressing the complex needs of these patients.
Now more than ever, Remote patient monitoring (RPM) and patient engagement technologies (PETs) are transforming chronic illness management by enabling effective care from home. Studies on patient satisfaction show that it’s a viable alternative for comfortably managing patients with long-term health conditions (NLM). RPM is a promising tool for managing long-term conditions, and together with PETs, it can potentially reduce associated costs and alleviate patient difficulties in accessing care.
Understanding RPM and PETs
RPM systems monitor patient health data remotely through various medical devices and digital technology, collecting real-time patient data like vital signs and symptoms from within the comfort of the patient’s home. PETs focus on encouraging patients and their families to become active participants in their healthcare journey, fostering better communication, education, and support throughout the process.
Together, these systems incorporate various technologies, such as:
- Wearable devices like fitness trackers and heart rate monitors continuously collect real-time health data, activity levels, and sleep patterns, providing accurate and ongoing insights into a patient’s health.
- Mobile health apps enable patients to input personal health data, access records, track symptoms, and receive medication reminders, offering convenience and accessibility in the palm of their hands.
- Telehealth platforms facilitate virtual consultations via video doctor visits, weekend tuck-in calls, and secure messaging, securing timely interventions and support when in-person visits are not feasible.
Collectively, these technologies drive flexible, care-driven support while seamlessly integrating with existing healthcare systems. They integrate with electronic health records (EHRs), providing healthcare providers with comprehensive views of patients’ health histories and statuses, which helps inform decision-making and craft personalized care plans. Mobile apps and telehealth platforms also often feature educational health resources and self-management tools that empower patients to manage their health actively and adhere to treatment plans.
The Benefits of RPM and PETs for Chronic Illness Management
RPM and PETs offer significant assistance for chronic illness management through continuous monitoring, improved patient engagement, and enhanced care accessibility. Continuous monitoring involves collecting real-time health data via wearable devices like heart rate monitors, glucose sensors, and fitness trackers. This constant data stream allows healthcare providers to proactively detect potential health issues, intervene quickly, and adjust treatment plans to prevent complications and hospitalizations.
Improved PETs empower patients by providing quick access to their health data, educational resources, and self-management tools through mobile apps and online platforms. This involvement keeps patients informed about their condition and treatment, fostering a sense of encouragement and adherence to care plans. Also, PETs enable secure communication with healthcare providers, ensuring that patients can ask questions and receive support promptly without worry.
RPM breaks down geographic and mobility barriers, creating accessible healthcare from almost any location. Patients in remote areas or those with limited mobility can receive continuous monitoring and quality care without traveling to healthcare facilities. Telehealth platforms offer video visits that extend healthcare services to those who might otherwise face challenges accessing care. Together, RPM and PETs improve chronic illness management by enabling early detection through continuous monitoring, empowering patients to engage actively in their care, and making health care more accessible regardless of geographic or mobility constraints.
Case Study and Application: Elara Caring
CareXM has transformed chronic illness management through innovative, patient-centered solutions. In their partnership with Elara Caring–a leading healthcare provider of home health and hospice, behavioral health, and personal care services–CareXM’s implementation of telehealth and RPM platforms redefined how they addressed each patient’s unique needs along their journey.
Within ElaraConnect–a suite of internal programs designed to identify patient needs and apply virtual oversight to keep them safely at home–specialty programs cater specifically to high-risk chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients to keep them out of the hospital.
By leveraging CareXM’s telehealth and RPM platform, ElaraConnect has experienced notable reductions in hospitalizations for 42% of high-risk CHF patients and 47% of high-risk COPD patients. The early detection enabled by CareXM’s continuous monitoring has prevented exacerbations of chronic conditions, improving overall patient health outcomes.
Ann Johnson, Director of Clinical Services, Telehealth, leads the ElaraConnect team. “Our clinicians have enjoyed the ease of use of the CareXM platform. We estimate our clinicians are able to monitor more than double that of our previous platform. We see and help more patients.”
Through virtual visits, clinicians engage with patients in the comfort of their homes, breaking down barriers that may hinder regular in-person interactions. This enhances patient convenience and allows for continuous monitoring and assessment for a more comprehensive understanding of the patient’s health status. The hybrid approach of CareXM’s technology to in-home care allows Elara Caring to broaden access to services so the team can better serve patients living in rural or hard-to-access communities.
Challenges and Solutions to Chronic Illness Management
Although chronic illness management has come a long way, there are still a few common barriers that surround it, such as:
- Technology Adaptation: Many patients with limited health and digital literacy may find it challenging to use RPM devices, mobile apps, or online portals, hindering their ability to actively engage in their care.
- Privacy Concerns: Many patients may be worried about the privacy and security of their health data when using RPM or PETs and may be reluctant to share sensitive data or engage further with these technologies.
- Personalized Care: While RPM and PETs offer valuable remote monitoring and self-management tools, they may not always meet specific patient needs or preferences. Research shows effective patient engagement requires personalized approaches that consider cultural backgrounds, health literacy levels, and socioeconomic status.
Fortunately, RPM and PETs address these barriers:
- User-friendly Designs & Education: Healthcare technology should include easy-to-use features and responsive customer support to assist patients. Educational materials, tutorials, and hands-on demonstrations are another great way to help patients build confidence and overcome barriers related to new technology. Nurses should educate patients about the benefits of RPM and PETs by providing effective, hands-on training.
- Enhanced Privacy Measures: To address privacy concerns, RPM and PETs must incorporate thorough personal health information (PHI) consent and security protocols, including HIPAA compliance.
- Personalization and Customization: Advances in RPM and PETs include developing personalized care plans and tailored interventions that consider individual patient preferences, needs, and circumstances. Today, algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to analyze health data and provide personalized recommendations for improving patient engagement and health outcomes.
We Improve the Experience of Chronic Illness Management
At CareXM, we aim to elevate the experience for patients, caregivers, and your entire healthcare team. With our turnkey solutions for remote monitoring and patient engagement, you can easily employ chronic illness management and personalize care across the diverse patient populations you serve while being free to select the RPM technology that fits your patient’s needs. Today, continuous monitoring allows for the early detection of potential health issues, ensuring timely interventions and better health outcomes. Whether you need support with RPM technology or patient engagement solutions, CareXM will transform your patient care approach. Let’s elevate the care experience together.