More than 70% of health providers are using telehealth-based tools to connect with their patients, based on research from HIMSS Analytics. With an increasing amount of adoption of telehealth and telemedicine, providers have found greater applications for this technology than just video-based consultations with patients. Remote patient monitoring has been one area that has greatly benefited from telehealth technology.
With an increasing incidence of chronic diseases, telehealth monitoring has made it possible for providers to ensure that their patients’ health is being tracked and managed at home. Chronic care management through telehealth monitoring offers patients several benefits-
- Concierge care
Unlike impersonal care plans, telehealth monitoring by healthcare providers gives patients personalized care, catering to their health needs specifically. Regular feedback, changes to care plans and consultations is possible with telehealth monitoring.
2. Timely intervention
Remote monitoring of chronic diseases allows patients to receive timely interventions should their providers find the need to do so. With telehealth services, this intervention can be done through a video session, where patients can elaborate on changes in their health condition and receive adequate feedback on their care. In fact, WHO estimates that nearly 70% of all deaths are due to chronic diseases. Many of these cases are preventable with early detection, management and palliative care- which is possible with telehealth monitoring.
3. Real-time diagnostics
With telehealth technology incorporating diagnostic tools like digital stethoscopes, cameras, otoscopes etc., providers can capture real-time diagnostic data from monitored patients to assess their health parameters. With apps for doctors, it’s possible to monitor patients on-the-go.
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4. Cost-effective care
The ability to intervene to prevent health complications and reduce hospital readmissions save patients healthcare costs. Chronic care management is often expensive due to complications in treatment and lack of adherence. Chronic disease management costs countries millions of dollars every year, which is why there is now a greater emphasis on self-management and patient education.
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5. Connected monitoring devices
In addition to diagnostic tools, most patients with chronic illnesses use home monitoring devices or applications to record their health readings. With telehealth monitoring, they are able to share this data virtually such that their healthcare provider is able to review the data and advise them on it during virtual consultations. Learn about the Virtual Practice’s telehealth services
6. Care after hospital discharge
Telehealth monitoring allows health providers to monitor patients with chronic illnesses, post hospital stay, preventing further health complications and assisting through recovery by closely tracking their health parameters.
7. Preventing co-morbidities
Chronic disease, if not managed effectively, can lead to health complications. For example, uncontrolled diabetes can cause kidney problems, issues with eyesight, nerve problems etc. Continuous monitoring allows patients to get timely intervention to prevent health complications.
8. Facilitate preventive care
For patients at risk of developing chronic illnesses, early preventive care programs supported by telehealth monitoring can be a great way to ensure their health is managed at home, with the right advice.
9. Empowering and educating patients
With telehealth supervision, health providers can educate their patients and equip them to manage their health better or be better caregivers for their loved ones. Patients also have easy access to their providers, to assist and guide them in times of need.
10. Access to nursing care
In addition to providers, patients who need supportive nursing care or counseling from their healthcare team can do so without having to travel, using telehealth monitoring.
Who is telehealth monitoring most useful for?
Studies have shown the positive effect of telehealth monitoring on a number of chronic diseases. Chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, heart disease and cancer are a few of the health conditions that have benefitted from continuous monitoring through telemedicine platforms.
As these conditions often require frequent monitoring, coordination between health providers and self-management, telehealth platforms have been very useful in facilitating care delivery for patients with chronic diseases.
Future of chronic disease management
Treatment and medication adherence is often a challenge most health providers face with their patients. With chronic diseases, it is more critical for providers to ensure that their patients manage their health effectively. With provider intervention and assistance, facilitated through technology like remote patient monitoring and telehealth, there is better hope for the future of chronic disease management.
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