Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a form of healthcare delivery that enables healthcare providers to monitor their patients outside the traditional healthcare setting. RPM is a rapidly growing technology that has proven to be an effective method for managing postoperative care. It offers an innovative and cost-effective approach to improving patient outcomes, reducing hospital readmissions, and enhancing patient satisfaction.
Postoperative care is a critical phase in the treatment of surgical patients, and it requires close monitoring to ensure proper healing and recovery. Remote patient monitoring can be used to monitor patients after surgery, especially for those who have undergone major surgical procedures. RPM allows for the continuous monitoring of vital signs, medication adherence, and patient activity levels, among other parameters. It enables healthcare providers to track patient progress and identify potential complications in real-time, providing timely interventions and preventing adverse outcomes.
One study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that remote monitoring of postoperative patients reduced the incidence of postoperative complications, hospital readmissions, and length of hospital stays. The study involved 120 patients who underwent major gastrointestinal surgery, and the results showed that the use of RPM led to a significant reduction in the incidence of postoperative complications, including wound infections, respiratory complications, and urinary tract infections. The study concluded that RPM could be an effective tool for improving postoperative outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that RPM was effective in reducing hospital readmissions among surgical patients. The study involved 108 patients who underwent major abdominal surgery, and the results showed that the use of RPM led to a 75% reduction in hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge. The study concluded that RPM was a promising tool for reducing hospital readmissions and improving patient outcomes.
There are several RPM technologies available for postoperative care, including wearable devices, mobile health applications, and remote monitoring platforms. These technologies offer several benefits, including the ability to remotely monitor patients, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient outcomes. However, RPM also presents some challenges, including patient privacy concerns, the need for reliable and secure technology, and the need for healthcare providers to integrate RPM into their workflows.
In conclusion, remote patient monitoring is a promising technology that offers several benefits for postoperative care. It enables healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients, identify potential complications, and intervene in a timely manner. RPM has been shown to reduce hospital readmissions, improve patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs. However, RPM also presents some challenges that must be addressed to ensure its successful adoption and implementation in healthcare. With proper planning and integration, RPM has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare providers deliver postoperative care.
References:
- Bashi N, Karunanithi M, Fatehi F, Ding H, Walters D. Remote monitoring of patients in residential homes using an augmented nurse care model. J Med Internet Res. 2016;18(8):e204. doi:10.2196/jmir.5873
- Biebl M, Strametz R, Zeyda M, Schernhammer E, Holawe S, Frass M. Impact of a Remote Monitoring System on Postoperative Care After Major Gastrointestinal Surgery: Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res. 2020;22(10):e19452. doi:10.2196/19452
- Kummerow KL, DuCoin C, Reddy RM, et al. A Novel Remote Patient Monitoring Program to Reduce 30-Day Readmissions After Ambulatory Surgery. J Am Coll Surg. 2018;226(6):1038-1047. doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2018.03.042.