Ways in which remote patient monitoring devices assist in fostering patient trust and positive business image

For healthcare businesses, reputation plays a big role in maintaining a steady stream of clients and increasing it. And while the reputation is dependent on many factors, such as quality of healthcare services, public relations, and recognizable visuals, patient satisfaction is one of the key components of fostering their trust and loyalty.

So, how do healthcare businesses can improve the level of patient care and engagement with their services that will turn them into loyal clients? One uncommon, but highly beneficial thing to do is to offer remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs that allow clinicians to keep tabs on patients’ health and provide timely interventions when needed.

In this article, we’ll shine some light on how remote RPM devices and systems can become a selling point for your business, improve the range of services you provide, and build patient trust. Keep reading to get the answers!

RPM ecosystem is a complex product that could be split into eight layers:

• 1st layer: monitoring devices. Wearable or portable medical devices, like glucose monitors, ECG sensors, or blood pressure cuffs, collect real-time health data from patients. The devices are often connected to the cloud via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, transmitting data securely for further analysis.
• 2nd layer: data aggregation and transmission. This layer includes the communication technology that collects and transmits data from the devices to a central data repository. It encompasses the mobile apps, gateways, or hubs that facilitate secure data transmission over the internet, using protocols like HL7, FHIR, or custom APIs.
• 3rd layer: security. The security layer includes encryption protocols, secure authentication mechanisms, and compliance with healthcare regulations like HIPAA or GDPR. It also covers user access controls, audit trails, and incident response mechanisms that maintain the confidentiality of sensitive health information.
• 4th layer: data processing and analytics. Here, the incoming patient data is aggregated, cleaned, and analyzed using advanced algorithms, AI, or machine learning models (ai/ml use cases). The analytics might include predictive modeling for proactive care, helping healthcare providers to anticipate potential issues before they escalate.
• 5th layer: clinical decision support system (CDSS). CDSS tools offer recommendations based on the analyzed data, patient history, and clinical guidelines. They can trigger alerts for abnormal readings or suggest potential interventions, thereby improving the accuracy and speed of clinical decisions.
• 6th layer: Patient engagement and communication layer. This layer includes patient portals, messaging systems, or telemedicine platforms where healthcare providers can share insights, adjust treatment plans, or engage in virtual consultations. This layer is crucial for maintaining patient adherence to treatment and ensuring that they are informed and involved in their care process.
• 7th layer: Integration middleware. The integration middleware connects all data sources, including medical monitoring devices, CDSS, and patient communication tools, with the hospital’s EHR system. This layer is essential for ensuring that all patient data flows correctly into the EHR for a unified view.
• Bottom layer: hospital EHR system. The EHR system serves as the central repository where all health information is integrated. EHRs allow primary care providers to access a comprehensive view of a patient’s medical history, current health status, and treatment plans, facilitating better-informed care decisions..

Monitoring medical devices comprise a large market that’s constantly growing, with the main factor for growth being global population aging. For example, in 2020, only 20 million of Americans were using some sort of medical monitoring device, and this number is expected to increase to around 70.6 million by 2025.

Remote patient monitoring devices come in various forms, each designed to monitor specific health metrics and provide valuable data to healthcare providers. Let’s talk about the most common groups that you can use to integrate with your hospital software.

Wearables

These are the most common group of remote patient monitoring devices because of their compact form, ease of use, and functionality. Wearables include:

• Smartwatches. Equipped with sensors to monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood sugar levels, and physical activity. Examples include the Apple Watch and Fitbit.
• ECG monitors. Portable devices that continuously track heart rhythm and detect irregularities. Popular models include the KardiaMobile and Zio Patch.
• Blood pressure monitors. These devices track a patient’s blood pressure readings and often include features to detect irregular heartbeats. Omron and Withings are notable brands.

Implantable devices

Other examples of remote patient monitoring devices include implantables, which can be placed on the skin, like an insulin pump, or under the skin, like a cardiac monitor. These devices continuously monitor parameters like blood sugar levels or cardiac activity, transmitting data to healthcare providers.

Even though cardiac monitors were introduced in late 1970s as an option to monitor patients with arrhythmia, they transitioned into the standard of care for patients with heart disease only during the last decade, according to a 2023 review published in the Eurospace journal.

In-home monitoring devices

These examples of remote patient monitoring devices include devices that are used for periodic checkups of vital functions and do not require constant wear on a patient’s body, such as:

• Weight scales. Connected scales like those from Withings track weight gain or loss, and body composition, providing data to healthcare professionals for managing conditions like congestive heart failure.
• Spirometers. Devices like the Spirobank measure lung function, which is crucial for patients with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.
• Pulse oximeters. These devices measure blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate, essential for patients with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
• Thermometers. Devices for continuous monitoring of body temperature changes that allow to detect symptoms like fevers or hypothermia.

Mobile health apps and platforms

Finally, there are digital healthcare solutions, like remote monitoring platforms. These solutions open lots of possibilities for healthcare providers to monitor patients’ data and increase their engagement into decisions about their health.

There are lots of examples of such platforms, and Yalantis experts (IoT app development company) have encountered some of them on their software development journey. For instance, we’ve collaborated with Healthfully, an American healthcare enterprise, to integrate their RPM platform with Apple Smartwatches and Google Fitbit. Yalantis’ development team did the following:

• Set up a quick, secure, and HIPAA-compliant data processing flow that allows the system to quickly analyze and visualize patients’ data
• Used native solutions and fitness device APIs for smooth integration with the EHR system
• Built a patient-facing app with an intuitive interface, so the users can quickly access their data, connect any new wearable fitness devices, and share their health insights with clinicians.

A survey conducted by digital health solution provider Vivalink in 2023, shows a 305% increase in use of remote patient monitoring and hospital-at-home systems among clinicians, compared to 2021. Furthermore, 84% of the total respondents currently using health monitoring devices also plan to increase their usage in 2024.

The reason for such rapid adoption of RPM solutions is that they offer a lot of benefits for medical businesses, specifically in the areas of operational efficiency, employee productivity, and innovation management.

Improved operational efficiency

• Reduced healthcare costs. Remote monitoring devices enable businesses, especially those in healthcare and insurance, to reduce costs associated with chronic disease management, hospital readmissions, and emergency care. By providing real-time data, these devices help in early detection and intervention, minimizing the need for expensive in-person treatments.
• Streamlined workflows. The integration of remote monitoring systems can streamline workflows for healthcare providers by automating data collection and reducing the administrative burden of manual record-keeping. This allows healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork.

Enhanced employee health and productivity

• Proactive health management. Businesses that adopt remote monitoring devices for their employees can promote better health management. Devices that track vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, overall physical activity, and other health metrics can help employees stay healthier, leading to reduced absenteeism and higher productivity.
• Wellness programs. Companies can integrate remote patient monitoring devices into their wellness programs, offering personalized health insights and encouraging a culture of wellness. This not only improves employee morale but also reduces long-term healthcare costs for employers.

Competitive advantage and innovation

• Data-driven insights. Businesses that analyze data from remote patient monitoring examples can gain valuable insights into customer or patient behaviors and needs. This data can be used to develop new products, improve existing services, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Brand differentiation. Companies that prioritize remote monitoring technology position themselves as innovators in their industry. This forward-thinking approach can attract tech-savvy customers and partners, giving the business a competitive edge in the market.

Now, let’s uncover some benefits for patients and healthcare providers that come with adoption of remote patient monitoring devices and solutions for patient treatment.

First, RPM opens up endless opportunities for healthcare professionals by ensuring real-time vitals tracking and turning this data into accurate, personalized, and efficient treatment plans. Here are some examples how RPM devices transform certain healthcare fields:

Second, RPM devices can speed up digital transformation process for healthcare businesses in several ways:

• by reducing the amount of patient-related paperwork
• by preventing human errors in data entry and processing
• by encouraging interdepartmental collaboration between healthcare providers due to the patient’s data
• being readily available for interpretation.

These benefits of health monitoring devices allow businesses and healthcare organizations to increase the quality of healthcare services, which, in turn, puts them in front of the competitors and fosters patient trust in the long run.

Medical monitoring devices facilitate the transition to patient-centric care by empowering healthcare providers with the tools needed to actively participate in their healthcare journey. These devices, often integrated into hospital RPM systems, allow for continuous tracking of health metrics, enabling more personalized and proactive care.

• Real-time data access. With medical monitoring devices, patients and healthcare providers have access to real-time data on vital signs, glucose levels, heart rhythms, and more. This continuous flow of information allows for timely interventions, reducing the risk of complications and hospital readmissions.
• Enhanced communication. These devices also improve communication between patients and healthcare providers. Data collected by RPM devices can be shared seamlessly with healthcare teams, facilitating more informed and collaborative decision-making.
• Patient awareness and education. By giving patients the ability to monitor their own health, medical device monitoring fosters a sense of ownership over their healthcare. Patients are better informed about their conditions and are more likely to engage in discussions with their healthcare providers.

To sum it up, RPM devices enable the shift from a reactive to a proactive care, where the patient’s needs, values, and preferences are at the forefront of all medical decisions.

Developing RPM devices from scratch is an ambitious project, but if you’re only dipping your toes into this, your business is bound to encounter one of the challenges that comes with it. Here’s how Yalantis IoT specialists use their expertise to assist businesses in overcoming those challenges and developing a robust RPM solution.

Turning a concept into a prototype

Problem: Even moving from a concept to a functional prototype can be pretty tricky when it comes to developing RPM devices. What functionality should an MVP have? How to scale the core features onto hundreds of devices? Which connectivity protocol to choose?

Without a proper expertise, the search for answers can take quite some time.

Yalantis’ solution: Hiring a professional IoT prototyping specialist can save you time and efforts, as well as build a proof of concept or MVP which exactly matches your project requirements.

Yalantis IoT experts have decades of experience in medical IoT device prototyping and can perform necessary feasibility studies, embed best security practices, and navigate compliance challenges for your Iot device (IoT solutions for healthcare). Our iterative approach allows us to refine the design quickly, ensuring your device is ready for market testing and scaling.

Complex firmware development

Problem: Firmware dictates how your RPM device will operate, from simple operations like turning on and off to complex processes like data collection and transfer. Creating robust, secure, and reliable firmware is critical for RPM devices, especially when the safety of patient data is at stake.

Yalantis’ solution: Our RPM device developers can help you design custom firmware tailored to your specific RPM device needs (firmware development services). We’ll make sure that your device’s firmware will be secure, compliant, and handle high loads by testing it on real devices and with real EHR systems, so we can track down any potential issue.

Ensuring stable connectivity and data integrity

Problem: If you plan to use your devices for monitoring patients in remote or rural areas, then ensuring consistent, secure connectivity between RPM devices and healthcare platforms can turn into a significant hurdle.

Yalantis’ solution: Our experts are familiar with various IoT connectivity protocols and frameworks, and their specifics, which allows us to promptly mitigate any connectivity issues This ensures your RPM devices remain connected and provide accurate data, even in challenging environments. As a data engineering company, we specialize in designing and optimizing robust data pipelines, ensuring data integrity and seamless communication across all systems and devices.

Customization

Problem: If you have some sort of healthcare software, like EMR, EHR, or HIS, you might need an RPM device that can be customized to seamlessly integrate with those systems. Depending on the number of devices you need to integrate, this project can become daunting very fast.

Yalantis’ solution: We can develop a custom RPM platform from scratch, designed to scale with your business. We’ll take into account current and potential device types that need to be integrated, as well as compliance with healthcare standards.

By partnering with Yalantis, you can overcome these challenges and successfully bring your RPM device to market, with the confidence that every aspect of the development process is perfectly handled.

Finally, Yalantis IoT development experts want to offer you some guidance regarding the integration of health monitoring devices with hospital IoT settings. Below is a list of steps that you need to perform during the integration process, backed up by the advice from our software engineers.

#1 Assess compatibility with legacy systems

Many hospitals still operate on legacy systems that may not natively support modern IoT devices. That’s why the evaluation of existing IT infrastructure and solutions in use has to be performed before introducing remote health monitoring devices. IoT technology solutions can help ensure that new devices are compatible with existing systems, providing seamless integration and better data flow across hospital networks.

It’s crucial to ensure that the new devices can integrate seamlessly with these legacy systems, either through middleware solutions or APIs that enable data exchange between old and new technologies.

Another tip to make integration process smoother is adopting widely recognized interoperability standards such as HL7 or FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources). These standards facilitate communication between different healthcare systems and ensure that data from remote devices can be accurately integrated into electronic health records (EHRs).

#2 Ensure stable connectivity

• Reinforce network infrastructure. Remote monitoring devices rely on continuous, reliable internet connectivity to transmit data in real-time. Hospitals must invest in robust network infrastructure, including Wi-Fi networks with extensive coverage and redundancy to prevent data loss. Additionally, secure VPNs or private networks may be necessary to protect sensitive patient data during transmission.
• Select the right IoT connectivity protocols. There are a lot of connectivity protocols for IoT devices, including MQTT, CoAP, ZigBee, Lora, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. Regardless which ones you choose, these protocols should be lightweight, secure, and capable of handling the specific requirements of medical data transmission.

#3 Make the most of cloud services

Cloud platforms help manage the large volumes of data generated by remote health monitoring devices. Hospitals should choose cloud service providers that offer healthcare-specific solutions, including:

• HIPAA-compliant data storage
• data analytics and visualization tools
• AI-driven insights

Cloud-based analytics tools can process data from remote monitoring devices, providing actionable insights to healthcare providers. Plus, they can enable scalability, allowing hospitals to add more devices and users without overloading their on-premises infrastructure.

#4 Prioritize security and compliance

Patient data safety and security is essential when integrating IoT devices into hospital settings (IoT cybersecurity solutions). All data transmitted from remote monitoring devices should be encrypted both in transit and at rest. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and regular security audits can further protect patient information.

Hospitals also must ensure that their use of remote monitoring devices complies with relevant regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States or GDPR in Europe. This includes maintaining data privacy and obtaining necessary patient consent for monitoring and data sharing.

#5 Train staff

Successful integration also depends on adequate training of healthcare staff to use new devices and systems. This includes trainings on:

• understanding how to interpret data collected by the devices
• setting up patient alerts
• responding to alerts generated by monitoring systems on the patient’s side
• monitoring the patients during incidents and emergency situations
• troubleshooting device issues

Make sure to perform regular training drills, so your employees can keep their skills sharp.

#6 Offer post-deployment support

Hospitals should establish ongoing technical support and maintenance protocols in the form of:

• regular software updates
• security patches
• device calibration
• user support.

Even though remote patient monitoring is a relatively new technology, it has a great potential for clinicians, patients, and business owners alike.

A thoroughly set up RPM ecosystem significantly improves the level of healthcare services provided at your facility. This, in turn, encourages more people to become your patients, boosting revenue and positive image of the healthcare establishment.
By trusting your healthcare solution in hands of Yalantis’ IoT consultants, you’ll get the final product that’s developed in adherence to compliance laws and your project requirements. We’ll build scalable RPM systems that grow with your business, remain protected from data breaches, and compatible with hospital legacy systems.