While there are several benefits of using a cellular remote patient monitoring (RPM)™ system, perhaps the most important benefit for providers and patients alike is the ability to track health data in real time. Access to this important data on a continuous basis can help providers better oversee their patients’ health while helping patients themselves manage chronic conditions more proactively.
When it comes to selecting an RPM technology system, providers and patients have options, the most common being cellular-enabled and Bluetooth®-enabled devices. Ultimately, the advantages that cellular RPM brings to patient care—reliability, ease of use, and accessibility—make it the superior choice for patient care, especially for those with chronic conditions or requiring consistent monitoring.
Cellular RPM technology can play a critical role in helping chronic disease patients improve health outcomes due to many factors. Below are many of these factors.
The Key Differences Between Cellular and Bluetooth RPM Technology
While both Bluetooth and cellular-enabled RPM technology are widely used, Bluetooth has limitations that cellular RPM addresses effectively.
For example, one of the primary benefits of cellular RPM is its reliability. Unlike Bluetooth RPM, which may require hubs, WiFi, or continuous pairing with other devices, cellular RPM works with a cell signal through an ultra-reliable network. This means that patients can still transmit data without syncing, pairing, or even needing access to a stable Internet connection. This can be a crucial difference for patients who are uncomfortable using Bluetooth technology, can’t afford the required technology for Bluetooth or those who are living in areas without reliable WiFi.
By operating directly through the cellular network and an RPM systems' provider, cellular RPM devices can transmit patient data in real time, regardless of the patient’s location. This consistent, seamless flow of information is critical in ensuring that healthcare providers are always up to date with their patients’ health metrics, enabling quicker and more informed decisions.
How Cellular RPM Can Improve Chronic Disease Management and Outcomes
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, require regular monitoring and consistent management. Cellular RPM offers a way for patients to manage these conditions without having to visit their provider often. For example, a patient with hypertension can use a cellular RPM-enabled blood pressure monitor to track their readings throughout the day. These readings are automatically sent to their healthcare provider, who can monitor the trends and intervene if needed.
This continuous stream of data allows for earlier detection of potential issues, such as a sudden rise in blood pressure that could indicate a stroke risk. Early detection can also lead to earlier intervention, which can prevent complications, hospitalizations, or even life-threatening events. Moreover, by reducing the need for in-person visits, cellular RPM can help manage healthcare costs and reduce the burden on the healthcare system, while also providing patients with greater convenience.
Because cellular RPM prioritizes convenience and reliability, patients can more easily—and frequently—transmit data to their provider than they can using Bluetooth-enabled technology.
How Cellular RPM Enhances Accessibility and Ease of Use
For older patients or individuals who are less comfortable with technology, the complexity associated with RPM device setup and use can be a major barrier. For example, Bluetooth RPM devices often require patients to pair their devices with smartphones or tablets, set up WiFi connections, or troubleshoot syncing issues. Additionally, in some regions where WiFi infrastructure is weak or unavailable, Bluetooth RPM may simply not be a viable option.
Cellular RPM eliminates these challenges. Since it operates through the cellular network, it doesn’t require patients to have WiFi or go through the process of pairing and syncing their devices. Once the device is powered on, it starts working immediately, sending data to healthcare providers without any additional steps from the patient. This ease of use makes cellular RPM more accessible, ensuring that a broader range of patients can benefit from remote monitoring, regardless of their technical abilities or their WiFi connectivity.
How Cellular RPM Can Reduce Emergency Visits and Hospital Readmissions
For patients with chronic conditions or in recovery from surgery, frequent ER visits and hospital readmissions are sadly all too common. These episodes often occur because patients do not realize their health is deteriorating until it’s too late. Cellular RPM plays a crucial role in preventing these situations by enabling continuous monitoring.
For instance, a patient recovering from heart surgery can use a cellular RPM device to track their heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs. Their provider can monitor these metrics remotely, and if they detect any concerning trends, they can intervene early. This might mean adjusting the patient’s medication, recommending a telehealth visit, or advising the patient to seek urgent care.
By facilitating early intervention, cellular RPM reduces the likelihood of patients needing emergency care or being readmitted to the hospital. This not only improves the patient’s quality of life but also helps to reduce the strain on healthcare resources.
How Cellular RPM Improves Long-Term Health Outcomes
Cellular RPM technology doesn’t just provide benefits in the short term. When used consistently under the supervision of a provider, it can also contribute to improved long-term health outcomes for patients.
By tracking health metrics continuously, cellular RPM encourages patients to take a more proactive approach to managing their health. Rather than reacting to symptoms or waiting for a scheduled check-up, providers can act on real-time data from their patients, adjusting treatment plans based on trends or early warning signs.
Patients, in turn, feel more empowered to manage their health. Knowing that their healthcare team is constantly monitoring their progress can motivate them to adhere to treatment plans, make healthier lifestyle choices, and take a more active role in managing their conditions. Over time, this can lead to better disease management, fewer complications, and improved overall health.
Cellular RPM Has Proven Results
There are many real-world cases where cellular RPM has proven to be effective in improving patient outcomes. In a Howard University study of patients with diabetes using the iGlucose®, 70% of high-risk participants lowered their A1c by an average of 2.8% within 90 days3.
A 30-day study by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences of 59 pregnant women with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, who frequently tested with Smart Meter’s cellular-enabled iGlucose® glucometer showed an increased satisfaction with their diabetes management. Eighty-six percent of participants noted that the automatic transmission of blood glucose results to their physician helped them better maintain their condition.
Baum Consulting Services implemented an RPM program using Smart Meter’s cellular iBloodPressure® and iGlucose and saw excellent results. One of the highlights of the program included a male patient in his 70s with hypertension, who, after two out-of-range blood pressure readings had adjustments made to his medication was able to avoid an emergency room visit. Another patient with diabetes had an A1c of 10.4 before starting the program but was able to reduce that to 6.6 in about a year and a half on the RPM program.
Cellular RPM is Transforming Care
Through superior reliability, ease of use, and accessibility, cellular RPM addresses many of the challenges associated with Bluetooth RPM technology. Using cellular RPM, patients can share real-time data with their providers without the needs for cumbersome hubs, pairing, or WiFi. This makes cellular RPM an invaluable tool for chronic disease management, earlier intervention, and longer-term health improvement.
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