Top Five Remote Monitoring Devices That Help in Managing Chronic Diseases | The secret in fighting chronic diseases lies in close monitoring of the patients. This is very important so that doctors and caregivers are able to provide quick interventions whenever needed. It also helps in ensuring that patients stick to their care plans so that the diseases are kept at manageable levels.
Technological advancements in healthcare are playing a key role in enhancing patient monitoring. With the invention of remote monitoring devices, patients can monitor the vitals that are relevant to their illnesses. Doctors get real-time health data of their patients, which enables them to monitor their patients’ progress in between visits as well as offer extended care remotely. Moreover, remote monitoring has helped reduce hospital visits especially at this time of the pandemic where less in-person interactions are being encouraged.
Here are five remote monitoring devices that are making chronic disease management much easier.
- Blood glucose meters
When you have diabetes, you find that so many factors affect your blood sugar levels. It could be exercise, stress, medication, the food you eat among many other factors. Keeping track of your blood sugar levels helps you in managing diabetes better. Blood glucose allows diabetes patients to measure their blood sugar levels at any given time from wherever they are.
These remote patient monitoring devices come in different types. Some meters share the readings in real-time through compatible smart devices with all the stakeholders such as the doctor, caregiver and the patients. Others have the option to download the information to a computer, which can then be shared via email. Others keep a log of the time and results collected over time.
- Wireless blood pressure cuffs
Just like blood sugar, blood pressure falls and rises based on various factors. Interestingly, even a doctor’s visit can cause changes to patients’ blood pressure among other factors such as temperature, pain and physical exertion. This is to say that taking a blood pressure measurement in these situations can potentially give a wrong figure. The best solution in getting the best readings is for patients to monitor the blood pressure consistently at home.
This can be done comfortably with remote patient monitoring devices such as wireless blood pressure cuffs. These devices allow patients to take readings as well as share them with doctors and caregivers. This is especially important as it helps doctors determine whether the recommended lifestyle changes or medication given to hypertension patients is working.
- Smart watches
Traditionally known for fitness and wellness purposes, wearables such as smart watches are also providing a platform for patients with chronic diseases to take and keep records of their conditions remotely. Smart watches allow them to send the information to the cloud. The doctors can then use this data to get more insights on the patients’ progress. They can also provide alerts to patients reminding them of important things such as time for taking medication.
Smart watches vary in features depending on the manufacturer. You can find some with blood pressure tracking features. Others collect data on sleep, heart rate, breathing, stress and oxygen saturation among others. Some models also connect to other medical devices such as glucometers and blood pressure cuffs via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
- Pulse oximeters
Monitoring patients’ pulse and oxygen saturation in the blood is very important for patients with chronic diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is also important for patients battling with pneumonia and covid-19.
A pulse oximeter allows patients to take these measurements from wherever they are. A digital oximeter then sends the data to the doctors’ portal automatically without the patients’ intervention. Doctors use the information to provide better care for their patients in between visits.
- Weigh scales
Due to lack of physical activity and the modern lifestyle, many people are battling with obesity. Unfortunately, obesity can cause chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease. It also makes it very hard to manage other chronic conditions, slowing down the healing process.
When it comes to obesity, the best solution lies in making lifestyle changes and continually improving on individual habits. Weigh scales help keep track of the weight in the weight loss journey. This unlocks valuable insights on the changes that are working and which are not.
Conclusion
Chronic diseases can be expensive to treat. Besides that, they impede patients’ performance in their day-to-day lives. That is why managing such conditions better is very crucial. Through remote patient monitoring programs, doctors can team up with their patients to stay ahead of these conditions. This is made possible by devices such as pulse oximeters, wireless blood pressure cuffs, smartwatches, weight scales, and blood glucose meters.
