How Remote Devices Promote Medication Adherence among Chronic Care Patients
By
Nsight Health
·
3 minute read
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness, disability, and death in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes, heart disease, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are types of chronic diseases. Chronic conditions usually have an uncertain origin and multiple risk factors, require ongoing maintenance and medication, cause functional impairment and disability, have no cure, and last longer than a year.[1]
Patients with chronic conditions must maintain complex medical treatment routines that require strict adherence to manage symptoms. Many who are coping with the effects of their illnesses find it difficult to meet the demands of their care and fail to follow their treatment plans as closely as they should. This poor adherence can accelerate decline and cause complications, hospitalizations, and even death.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is a rising care solution that stands to improve adherence to Chronic Care Management (CCM) plans. Strategic Market Research statistics claim that by 2025, 70.6 million patients in the United States (nearly 26.2% of the population) will be using RPM devices, up from 23 million in 2020. America’s aging community is driving this growth.[2] RPM employs devices that monitor and instantly transmit critical health data such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels to an RPM clinical team and the appropriate healthcare provider. RPM devices offer an efficient and proactive approach to CCM that can reduce complications and improve adherence by empowering patients to take control of their care.
The Role of RPM Devices in Chronic Care
RPM devices include blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, pulse oximeters, weight scales, and peak flow meters, to name a few. This equipment allows patients to record their important health information outside of a clinical setting. RPM devices emit a continual data stream of vital information and work with apps highlighting daily tasks and sending medication reminders. They can combat factors that interfere with adherence, like forgetfulness, functional and cognitive impairments, a lack of understanding about missed doses, and inconsistent engagement with healthcare providers.
Enhancing Medication Adherence through RPM Devices
Failure to keep a medication schedule is one of the greatest obstacles to an effective CCM plan, and estimates for medication adherence are historically low. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that adherence among patients suffering from chronic diseases in developed nations averages only 50%.[3] RPM devices can support medication adherence in the following ways.
- Medication reminders—Integrated RPM apps and smart devices like pill dispensers can prompt patients to take their medication and other daily tasks as part of their plan. Additionally, RPM devices can notify providers of missed doses, allowing them to intervene as necessary.
- Convenience and ease—Because RPM devices can be used anywhere with apps and other tools designed for simplicity, treatment plans become easier to follow.
- Greater accountability— RPM devices inspire patient accountability and motivation to stay true to their medication schedule. Patients participating in an RPM program know health professionals are monitoring their medication activity and recording missteps. Additionally, some systems can grant tracking access to caregivers and family members (with consent), encouraging patients to adhere and strengthening their support network.
Positive Impact of RPM Devices on Chronic Care Management
RPM devices address the most crucial requirement of CCM: the constant reading and tracking of vital health indicators like blood pressure, heart rate, glucose levels, and oxygen saturation. They alert healthcare providers when an anomaly or concerning pattern emerges to safeguard against complications. Other ways RPM devices can increase adherence to CCM treatment plans include:
- Improved Communication—The consistent feedback RPM devices provide can foster a better patient-provider relationship. When providers receive an alert of a change in a patient’s condition, they can follow up promptly. In traditional care models, providers do not hear about an issue until a patient reports it or the next scheduled visit occurs. Patients are more likely to engage in their care and maintain their treatment when they receive this elevated level of support and interaction.
- Personalized Care—The real-time data RPM devices deliver is invaluable to designing tailored patient treatment plans. Furthermore, patients can send feedback and concerns through RPM platforms, which allow providers to make adjustments and give recommendations on the fly. Patients who feel addressed, with medications that work for them and plans that are as manageable as possible for their unique needs, stand a better chance of adherence.
- Education and Insights—RPM platforms may contain elements that offer patients insights into their condition, treatment, and progress. Patients can better understand their illness and the consequences of poor adherence by seeing how their readings respond to changes in treatment, behavior, or lifestyle. For instance, a diabetic patient can observe what happens to their blood sugar after eating a sweet treat. RPM can become an educational tool, and patients can learn the importance of sticking to their plan.
Through RPM devices, CCM is taking a big step forward. Patients feel a stronger connection to the healthcare team that creates and administers their medical treatment plan and a greater commitment to their well-being. RPM can relieve some of the burden of managing chronic conditions alone and improve adherence. Through a more proactive and efficient CCM approach, RPM technology can keep patients on track and enhance their quality of life. To learn more about RPM devices and CCM through Nsight, click HERE to schedule a demo today. Whether you are a patient or provider looking to learn more about RPM, we would love to hear from you.
Sources
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/about/index.html