Cardiac remote patient monitoring provides a noninvasive and continuous assessment of crucial cardiac indicators outside clinical settings. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices offer a range of benefits. These benefits come from monitoring heart rate variability to blood pressure and oxygen saturation.
This blog post summarizes 2 new studies in cardiac remote patient monitoring and wearable cardiac remote patient devices used during the COVID-19 pandemic and their potential clinical applications.
Cardiac Remote Patient Monitoring Wearable Devices
During the COVID-19 pandemic, wearable cardiac monitoring was essential in combating the virus and managing cardiovascular diseases. Wearable devices emerged as powerful tools for monitoring various health parameters outside clinical settings. Cardiac RPM devices continuously assess crucial cardiac indicators such as ECG, heart rate variability, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate.
Study 1: Wearable Cardiac Remote Patient Monitoring
One recent study reviewed advances in wearable cardiac monitoring devices and their applications during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research analyzed the progress made in wearable cardiac monitoring and the most widespread practical implications of cardiac remote patient monitoring techniques using wearable devices. The analysis encompassed the assessment of both COVID-19-related conditions and general cardiac cases.
COVID-19 and Cardiac Abnormalities
COVID-19 can lead to cardiac abnormalities in many hospitalized patients. Cardiac abnormalities were reported in 19.7-27.8% of COVID-19 patients, with myocarditis and heart rate abnormalities as frequent occurrences. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases and hypertension are particularly vulnerable to worse outcomes. Atrial fibrillation emerged as the most common form of arrhythmia in COVID-19 patients.
Moreover, the worsening of existing atrial fibrillation is a serious concern. Wearable ECG devices play a crucial role in the remote monitoring of patients with atrial fibrillation and those at high risk of developing it. That is because remote patient monitoring facilitates early detection and management.
The Role of Cardiac Remote Patient Monitoring
Wearable Cardiac Monitoring became an out-of-hospital method of managing COVID-19 patients and individuals with chronic diseases at high risk of acute cardiovascular events. The technology enables continuous monitoring, providing real-time data for healthcare professionals. Remote monitoring of cardiac parameters using wearables has several advantages.
It eliminates the need for frequent in-person clinic visits, reducing the risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Moreover, continuous monitoring allows for the early detection of cardiac abnormalities. That enables physicians to intervene quickly and prevent adverse events. Wearable devices also empower patients to take control of their health, promoting self-management and reducing healthcare costs associated with hospital admissions.
Study Key Points
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of remote monitoring in cardiology. Wearable devices equipped with sensors offer a noninvasive and continuous assessment of cardiac parameters, facilitating the early detection and prevention of cardiovascular events related to COVID-19. These devices have significant implications for patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, particularly those at high risk for atrial fibrillation.
Study 2: Smartphone-Based Cardiac Remote Patient Monitoring
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is associated with frequent hospitalizations and significant economic burdens. Proactive management and monitoring of symptoms and vital signs are crucial for optimizing treatment and avoiding hospital admissions. Cardiac remote patient monitoring through smartphone-based noninvasive methods shows promise in early intervention and preventing unnecessary hospitalizations.
A retrospective study evaluated the impact of smartphone-based cardiac remote patient monitoring on healthcare utilization and costs for newly diagnosed HFrEF patients compared to standard care. Cohorts were matched based on demographics, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and HFrEF severity. The first cohort (RPM group) consisted of patients who used a smartphone-based RPM platform for over three months. The second cohort (control group) received usual heart failure care without remote monitoring.
Cardiac Remote Patient Monitoring Study Results
Healthcare utilization data, including emergency department, hospital admissions, outpatient visits, and associated costs, were collected three months following diagnosis. The costs of the cardiac remote monitoring platform were included for the RPM group. A total of 146 patients (mean age 63 years; 29% female) were included, with 73 patients in each group. The RPM group showed lower emergency department use and unplanned admissions than the control group.
However, the groups had no significant differences in elective admissions or outpatient use. These findings were consistent even after controlling for hypertension. Over the three months, secondary healthcare costs were approximately four times lower in the RPM group than in the control group.
Study Summary
This retrospective cohort study demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of smartphone-based remote monitoring for patients with HFrEF. Remote patient monitoring resulted in a twofold reduction in emergency department visits. It also resulted in a fourfold decrease in emergency admissions within three months of diagnosis. Notably, the costs associated with healthcare utilization were significantly lower in the RPM group. This was despite the additional cost of the remote monitoring platform itself.
Cardiac remote patient monitoring used alongside standard care reduced admissions and allocated resources to patients. These findings show that smartphone-based remote patient monitoring effectively manages heart failure and lowers healthcare costs.
Cardiac Remote Patient Monitoring Studies Summary
As technology advances, remote patient devices and wearable cardiac monitoring devices hold immense potential to transform healthcare delivery. In addition, it can improve the management of COVID-19 and cardiovascular diseases. RPM devices offer a personalized and precise approach to care, empowering patients to actively participate in their health management.
RPM wearables reduce the need for in-person clinic visits and enable early detection and intervention for cardiac abnormalities. With wearable technology, qualified healthcare professionals can optimize patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. With the promising results from studies exploring wearable cardiac monitoring, we can look forward to a future where these devices play a vital role in enhancing patient care and well-being.
Find more remote patient monitoring research topics, recent studies, and research in the Tenovi blog.
