At SmartMeter, we are at the forefront of cellular remote patient monitoring™. We offer a range of non-wearable health monitoring devices that have become essential tools in managing chronic conditions and supporting overall health. Here are four must-have health monitoring devices that can help providers stay on top of a patients’ health more efficiently and effectively.
1. Blood Pressure Monitors
Blood pressure monitors provide continuous monitoring without the need for frequent doctor visits. This ensures that any significant changes in blood pressure are promptly detected and addressed, preventing potential complications. Regular monitoring helps maintain cardiovascular health by enabling timely interventions and adjustments to treatment plans.
Consistently high readings can provide crucial data for healthcare providers, facilitating early detection and timely interventions. This proactive approach enables the implementation of lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatments to manage hypertension, ultimately preventing severe complications, such as heart disease and stroke. Incorporating home monitoring into patient care plans can significantly enhance long-term health outcomes.
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association last year of patients using different cuff sizes found concerning issues. For patients who fit smaller cuffs, the study found, using a regular cuff size resulted in consistently low blood pressure readings. Meanwhile, individuals that required large or extra-large cuff sizes received high blood pressure measurements when using regular cuffs — with bigger errors, on average, than people who needed smaller cuffs. In other words, using a smaller-than-recommended cuff size led to artificially high blood pressure numbers, while using a larger cuff size resulted in falsely low readings.
Results of a study by the University of Mississippi Medical Center released just a couple of years ago showed that a remote patient monitoring (RPM) program can have a significant impact in reducing blood pressure in rural and low-income patients. "Our results show that home BP telemonitoring with remote hypertension management in a rural and low-income population is feasible and associated with significant BP reduction. In the study, more than 85% of enrolled participants completed the 6-month protocol with a 14.1 mm Hg mean reduction in systolic BP," a statement in the study said.
2. Glucose Monitors
Glucose monitors are very important for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition because they provide real-time data that’s crucial for managing diet, exercise, and medication.
Glucose monitors also help keep blood sugar levels under control. Glycemic control is fundamental for preventing diabetes-related complications. Monitoring blood sugar levels allows patients to make informed dietary choices and adjust their medication as needed. The data from glucose monitors also helps healthcare providers customize treatment plans to suit individual metabolic responses, ensuring better overall health management.
While continuous glucose monitors (CGM) have become a popular treatment for people with diabetes, patient adherence can be a problem. In a recent study, "there were 183 periods of nonadherence for greater than 1 full day across 36 of the 38 participants, ranging from 1 to 16 per person. Only 2 of the 38 participants completed the 6-month study without a single full day break, while 47.4% of all participants had at least 1 non adherent period of at least 7 consecutive days."
3. Pulse Oximeters
Pulse oximeters measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood, a critical metric for patients with respiratory conditions. We provide pulse oximeters that are both reliable and easy to use, offering real-time data that can alert healthcare providers to potential respiratory issues before they become critical.
These devices ensure that patients maintain adequate oxygen levels, which is crucial for overall well-being and particularly critical for patients with respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma. Pulse oximeters enable the monitoring of respiratory function and the early detection of any abnormalities. By regularly assessing these vital signs at home, patients can take proactive measures to manage their conditions and seek medical intervention promptly, when necessary, thereby ensuring optimal respiratory health and preventing exacerbations.
4. Digital Scales
Digital scales are, of course, fundamental to weight management, which is directly related to health. The benefits of using a digital weight scale include more accurate weight measurement, data tracking, and the ability to monitor progress over time. It also provides the convenience of measuring weight in the comfort of one’s own home, without having to visit a healthcare provider. These scales integrate with RPM systems to track progress over time and adjust weight management plans accordingly.
The comprehensive data provided by our digital scales offers a more detailed view of a patient’s progress than weight alone. By tracking body composition metrics, patients and healthcare providers can make more informed decisions about diet and exercise regimens. This holistic approach ensures that weight loss is healthy and sustainable, focusing not just on shedding pounds but on improving overall body composition. The integration of these scales into RPM systems means that this data is continuously monitored, allowing for real-time adjustments to weight loss programs.
Self-weighing is an important behavior for patients to develop. A review of self-weighing studies found that in 11 of the 12 reviewed studies, more frequent self-weighing was associated with greater weight loss or weight gain prevention. In addition, physicians want to be able to track weight loss for patients taking these drugs in real time without them constantly making office visits.
Enhancing Patient Engagement with RPM
One of the key advantages of our health monitoring devices is their ability to enhance patient engagement by providing patients with devices in their home that give them real-time data about their health. This empowers individuals to take a more active role in their healthcare. Increased engagement is particularly beneficial in managing chronic conditions, as it helps patients stay motivated and committed to their health goals. Regular feedback from devices such as blood pressure monitors and glucose monitors allow patients to see the direct impact of their efforts, fostering a sense of accomplishment and encouraging continued adherence to their health management plans. Through the integration of our devices into RPM systems or electronic health record (EHR) platforms, we ensure that patients are not only well-informed and actively involved in their health management, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life. This type of patient engagement was recommended in a study published by the National Library of Medicine.
Our Commitment to Innovation
At SmartMeter, we are committed to leading the RPM space by offering high-quality, cellular health monitoring devices that are both easy to use and highly accurate. Our devices integrate seamlessly with RPM and EHR platforms, ensuring that healthcare providers have access to real-time data to make informed decisions. This integration is crucial for managing chronic conditions and supporting overall health effectively. Our dedication to continuous innovation and quality ensures that patients receive the best possible care, making us a trusted partner in the journey towards improved health and well-being. Contact us today to learn more.
