Name of the Procedure:

Remote Monitoring of Physiologic Parameter(s)

Common name(s): Remote Monitoring, Telehealth Monitoring
Medical term(s): Remote Physiologic Monitoring (RPM)

Summary

Remote Monitoring involves using digital devices to track vital health metrics like weight, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and respiratory flow rate from home. This data is then transmitted to healthcare providers daily or if certain thresholds are met, which helps in early detection and management of potential health issues.

Purpose

Remote Monitoring is designed to keep track of chronic conditions, manage acute illnesses, and ensure ongoing health maintenance with real-time data. The primary goals are to improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital visits, and provide timely medical interventions.

Indications

• Conditions like hypertension, heart failure, COPD, and diabetes.
• Post-hospital discharge monitoring.
• Patients needing continuous or frequent monitoring of vital signs.
• Individuals with mobility issues or living in remote areas.

Preparation

• Patients may need to install and set up the monitoring devices as instructed.
• No specific fasting or medication adjustments required.
• Basic training on how to use the devices and transmit data might be provided.

Procedure Description

1. Device Setup: Healthcare provider supplies the monitoring device(s).
2. Daily Use: Patients measure their physiological parameters daily using the provided devices.
3. Data Transmission: Devices automatically record and transmit data to the healthcare system or notify healthcare providers if certain thresholds are exceeded.
4. Monitoring: Healthcare professionals review the data regularly and provide feedback or adjust treatment as necessary.

Tools: Digital BP monitors, pulse oximeters, weight scales, etc.
Anesthesia: Not applicable.

Duration

The monitoring is continuous, with data reviewed daily and alerts sent as needed, typically over a 30-day period.

Setting

• Patient's home.
• Online communication with healthcare providers as needed.

Personnel

• Primary healthcare provider.
• Nurses or remote monitoring specialists.
• Technical support for device issues.

Risks and Complications

• Device malfunction or improper use.
• Data transmission errors or privacy concerns.
• Delayed clinical response due to sensor or network issues.

Benefits

• Early detection of potential health issues.
• Continuous and consistent health monitoring.
• Reduced need for frequent office visits.
• Potential for better chronic disease management. Expected benefits can be realized almost immediately as data is continually monitored.

Recovery

• No physical recovery needed as this is a non-invasive procedure.
• Patients should follow daily measurement routines and report any device issues promptly.

Alternatives

• Traditional in-office visits for regular check-ups.
• Manual logging of physiologic metrics and periodic reporting to healthcare providers. Pros of RPM: Convenience, continuous monitoring, potentially better outcomes.
  Cons of RPM: Requires reliable internet access, potential technical issues.

Patient Experience

• During: Patients will engage in daily use of monitoring devices, which may involve minor initial learning but typically become routine.
• After: Enhanced peace of mind from continuous health monitoring. Any discomfort is associated with the daily use of devices rather than the monitoring process itself. Pain management is not applicable for this non-invasive procedure.