How Remote Patient Monitoring Could Have Helped My Grandfather
As I reflect on the challenges my grandfather faced in managing his blood pressure, I can't help but think about how Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) could have made a significant difference in his life. Despite his diligence in tracking his blood pressure readings using a manual device and a notebook, there were critical gaps in his healthcare that RPM could have filled.
My grandfather's reliance on a traditional blood pressure device and handwritten notes posed several issues. Firstly, there was always the risk of losing or misplacing the notebook containing his vital health data. In the event of such a loss, all the valuable readings he meticulously recorded would vanish, leaving him and his healthcare providers in the dark about his blood pressure trends.
Furthermore, forgetting to bring his notebook to medical appointments meant that his doctors lacked a comprehensive record of his blood pressure history. This lack of real-time access to accurate data could potentially lead to misdiagnoses or inappropriate treatments, as was the case during our trip to Bogota, Colombia.
In Bogota, Colombia, my grandfather experienced a syncope episode, prompting a hospital visit. It was during this crisis that we discovered a crucial oversight in his healthcare management. Contrary to the assumption of chronic hypertension exacerbated by the altitude, my grandfather had abnormally low sodium levels and low blood pressure. This misdiagnosis led to overmedication, as he was prescribed double his blood pressure medication to treat what was believed to be heightened blood pressure due to altitude. However, further examination revealed that he didn't need blood pressure medication at all. This oversight could have been avoided with better insight into his daily blood pressure patterns through an RPM program. Following this incident, he suffered several syncopes back in the US, the causes of which were difficult to pinpoint other than dehydration and low electrolytes.
Had my grandfather been enrolled in an RPM program, his doctors would have had access to real-time data, enabling them to monitor his blood pressure trends closely. With this proactive approach, they could have detected the anomalies in his readings earlier, leading to adjustments in his medication regimen before any adverse events occurred.
Remote Patient Monitoring not only provides convenience and efficiency but also enhances patient safety and healthcare outcomes. My grandfather's experience highlights the transformative potential of RPM in bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring timely interventions and personalized care.
In memory of my grandfather, I advocate for the widespread adoption of Remote Patient Monitoring as a valuable tool in modern healthcare, empowering patients and saving lives through continuous, data-driven monitoring and management. I’m proud to be a client success manager at Rimidi helping providers build successful and sustainable RPM programs for their patients!
