How to Use a Digital Peak Flow Meter for Remote Patient Monitoring

How to use the Tenovi PFM: Digital Peak Flow Meter

The sensitivity of a digital peak flow meter is unmatched, even when compared to a physician using a stethoscope to listen to lung sounds. This level of accuracy makes it a valuable tool for monitoring respiratory health. Using remote patient monitoring (RPM), a digital peak flow meter detects these changes in breathing capacity and notifies your physician for a quick response.

This article describes what a remote patient monitoring digital peak flow meter is and how to use the FDA-cleared, cellular-connected Tenovi Peak Flow Meter. 

What is a Digital Peak Flow Meter? 

A peak flow meter is a portable instrument used to evaluate lung function. It measures the rate at which air is expelled from the lungs. During asthma flare-ups, the airways typically constrict.

A digital peak flow meter device detects this narrowing before noticeable symptoms, sometimes hours or even days before. Regularly using a peak flow meter allows asthma patients to detect subtle changes in their breathing capacity. This early warning system will enable physicians to adjust medication preemptively. This can prevent severe asthma attacks before symptoms become apparent.

The device’s ability to provide objective lung function measurements empowers patients to take proactive steps in managing their condition. This can lead to better overall asthma control and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of asthma episodes.

Tenovi PFM: Digital Peak Flow Meter Features

First, a remote patient monitoring digital peak flow meter is a handheld medical device that uses Bluetooth or cellular connections to measure the maximum airflow out of the lungs. Clinical care research shows that measuring forced expiratory volume (FEV1) is the gold standard for monitoring lung function. 

Therefore, regularly monitoring peak flow in asthma patients helps identify the causes of flare-ups early and enables patients to seek treatment quickly. Additionally, physicians can identify early complications and promptly treat asthma patients between scheduled office visits.

Some remote patient monitoring devices require downloading of apps or the tedious pairing of IoT devices. Tenovi’s FDA-cleared Bluetooth devices connect automatically to the Tenovi Cellular Gateway and are ready to use immediately. The Tenovi Digital Peak Flow Meter is a cellular-connected peak flow meter that offers accurate and repeatable monitoring.

Key features include the following.

  • Measures PEF and FEV1
  • FDA-cleared, CE, and EN certified with industry-leading accuracy
  • No need to calibrate
  • Transmits data through a cellular network with the Tenovi Cellular Gateway.

How Does the Tenovi PFM Work? 

The Tenovi Cellular Gateway powers the Tenovi Digital Peak Flow Meter. Patients connect the Gateway to take daily peak flow readings. The device is easy to use and user-friendly. An LED ring on the Gateway turns green to confirm that the measurement is successfully transmitted. 

The Tenovi RPM Digital Peak Flow Meter automatically transmits data wirelessly to the Tenovi cloud. Through Tenovi’s advanced system integrations, physicians can view the measurements in the Tenovi dashboard or their proprietary platform. Finally, the Gateway LED turns red every morning, reminding the patient to take their daily measurement.

How to Use the Tenovi Digital Peak Flow Meter 

Tenovi Digital Peak Flow Meter enables accurate, quick remote patient monitoring in 3 easy steps. 

To begin using the Tenovi cellular-connected peak flow meter, relax for a few minutes before following these 3 steps:

  1. Turn it on: Press the power button for 3 seconds and wait for the Gateway to start flashing yellow.
  2. Take a reading: Take a deep breath, then exhale quickly into the peak flow meter.
  3. Data transfer: PEF and FEV1 data will automatically transfer to the Tenovi cloud or clinician portal. 

This quick video shows you how to set up and use the Tenovi Digital Peak Flow Meter. 

Please see the Tenovi Cellular-Connected PFM Quick Start Guide for further assistance.

Caregivers provide patients with personal best ranges to create an appropriate Asthma Action Plan for controlling asthma. An asthma action plan generally has three zones: green, yellow, and red. 

  • Green zone: Asthma is well-controlled when peak flow is 80 – 100% of your personal best.
  • Yellow zone: Asthma is worsening or is poorly controlled when peak flow is 50 – 80% of your personal best.
  • Red zone: Asthma is severe. It requires emergency care when peak flow is less than 50% of your personal best.

Tenovi Remote Patient Monitoring Technical Support 

Remote patient monitoring devices provide assurance and quality of care for patients with chronic conditions. However, patients may require guidance and support to ensure accurate measurements. Therefore, Tenovi offers a HIPAA-compliant technical support team that helps patients and providers get started with the RPM technology and troubleshoot any issues. 

Tenovi’s technical support team is trained to provide clear and friendly instructions on how to use RPM devices. By providing this level of support, Tenovi reduces workload, costs, and stress for healthcare providers while enhancing the patient experience.

If you want to learn more about how Tenovi can help you deliver better care with remote patient monitoring, please schedule a free demo and consultation with us today.

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