Today, long-term healthcare no longer has to be confined to hospitals or dedicated facilities - it can take place in the comfort of a patient’s home. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, digital home health technology has transformed care delivery. A 2022 McKinsey & Company report estimated that up to $265 billion worth of care services for some Medicare beneficiaries could shift to the home by 2025.

How to Leverage Remote Patient Monitoring for Digital Home Health Care

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a powerful tool that healthcare providers and homecare workers can use to collaborate, support patient needs, and drive better outcomes. Below, we explore how RPM fits into a comprehensive digital home healthcare approach.

Quick Review: What is Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)?

Remote patient monitoring is a type of telehealth that uses technology, such as wearable health monitoring devices and software solutions, to collect patient health information in real time. By leveraging an RPM system, providers can monitor patient vitals remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and increasing care accessibility.

RPM benefits both patients and providers. The ability to receive live health data enables providers to deliver more personalized care, contributing to improved health outcomes and better management of chronic conditions.

RPM also allows providers to take action when concerning health trends emerge. Care managers and monitoring teams can alert providers to sudden changes in vitals, abnormal readings, or other indicators that intervention is needed.

With this insight, providers can offer timely care, reducing the risk of severe health complications. As a result, RPM can help decrease hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

3 Ways to Use RPM for Digital Home Health Care

RPM is especially beneficial for patients receiving long-term, post-acute, or home health care services. When integrated with other care strategies, RPM enables patients with chronic conditions to receive necessary treatment without leaving their homes.

While in-home caregivers and homecare professionals may not administer RPM the same way clinicians do, they play a critical role in ensuring its success. By collaborating with clinicians, homecare providers can help patients remain at home — and out of the hospital — for longer.

Here are three ways homecare providers can incorporate RPM into their care practices.

1. Track Essential Vitals with Home-Appropriate RPM Devices

Clinicians can establish new patient touchpoints by incorporating RPM monitoring devices into treatment plans. Depending on their health needs, patients may use RPM devices such as:

  • Pulse oximeters
  • Blood glucose meters
  • Smart weight scales
  • Blood pressure monitors
  • ECG machines

Homecare professionals can assist patients in using these devices as instructed. While they may not collect or interpret health data, they can still facilitate remote communication with providers via RPM platforms.

2. Communicate with Patient Care & Monitoring Teams

Homecare workers can use RPM technology to collaborate with patient care teams, ensuring that critical information reaches the right providers.

They might use the platform to report potential hazards, share patient concerns, or highlight additional needs, such as access to nutritious meals or clearer instructions on device usage.

Even without medical certifications, caregivers provide valuable insights that help care teams respond quickly and effectively. Their firsthand observations often enhance clinicians’ ability to interpret patient data accurately.

3. Assist in the Setup of Telehealth Visits

Patients who require home health services often have limited transportation options, making it difficult to attend preventive care appointments or follow up with providers as needed.

Telehealth visits address this barrier by allowing patients to consult with providers from home. Caregivers can assist by helping patients schedule appointments, set up video calls, or communicate with providers through digital health platforms.

Bring RPM and Home Health Care Together with CoachCare

Both homecare professionals and clinicians who use RPM share the same goal: helping patients stay in their homes as long as possible.

Digital home healthcare systems bridge the gap between in-home support and skilled nursing facility services. By combining remote patient monitoring with assistance for daily living activities, providers can offer a more comprehensive, confidence-boosting care experience.

For example, a nurse may visit a patient’s home to provide care while an RPM device collects vitals and alerts providers to any concerns. Meanwhile, a care manager can follow up with additional support, such as arranging for meal deliveries or medication reminders.

CoachCare’s RPM devices and RPM platform are designed to bring high-quality care into the home. Our team supports every step of the implementation process, from training staff and educating patients to monitoring data and troubleshooting.

Reach out to us today to learn how you can leverage RPM to enhance care for your patients or clients.