Digital health technologies are increasingly empowering health care providers to offer proactive, personalized care beyond traditional settings, resulting in enhanced patient outcomes, reduced readmissions, and better access to care. For health professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the digital health landscape, here are 10 compelling facts about digital health and wellness, showcasing how technology is shaping modern health care.
1. UConn’s Telesitter for Enhanced Patient Safety
At UConn John Dempsey Hospital, a new video monitoring system called Telesitter allows Remote Sitters to closely observe patients for safety. This system is especially beneficial for high-risk patients, offering hospital staff an extra set of eyes to prevent accidents and address care needs in real time.
2. UMass Memorial Harrington’s Impressive RPM Results
UMass Memorial Harrington has reported a 50% reduction in readmission rates since launching its RPM program. By supporting chronic heart failure (CHF) patients with remote monitoring, clinical staff have more tools to deliver personalized and proactive care, ensuring that patients receive attention regardless of their physical location.
3. UC Davis’s Diverse RPM Programs
In 2024, UC Davis Medical Center expanded its remote monitoring capabilities to manage hypertension, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and post-angioplasty patients. This extensive program highlights the scalability of RPM in treating a wide range of conditions, showing how digital health is driving new care pathways.
4. University of Manchester’s REMORA System for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Researchers at the University of Manchester in England are conducting a trial with REMORA, a digital monitoring system for rheumatoid arthritis. This program allows patients to track symptoms via a smartphone or tablet app and log in from home using NHS credentials, enabling a more comprehensive view of patients’ day-to-day experiences with chronic pain and joint inflammation.
5. RPM for Maternal Health in Florida
Since January 2023, Memorial Primary Care in Florida has received over 3,300 referrals for expectant and new mothers considered at risk. Their RPM program has enrolled nearly 1,500 of these individuals, focusing on maintaining optimal health during this critical period, which has the potential to significantly impact outcomes for both mother and child.
6. High Satisfaction Rates for Hospital-at-Home Programs
A Vivalink survey of 1,000 adults aged 40 and older found that 80% of those who experienced a hospital-at-home program would use it again. This level of satisfaction suggests strong patient acceptance of RPM and related digital health services, likely due to the convenience and personalized nature of care.
7. Brook Health’s Success in Blood Pressure Control
Brook Health‘s RPM program has achieved impressive results, with 830 enrolled patients and a 92% retention rate as of July 2024. Among patients monitored for three months, 74% achieved blood pressure levels below 140/90, with 32% under 130/80, showing RPM’s effectiveness in managing chronic conditions like hypertension.
8. The Manatt Telehealth Policy Tracker: Keeping Pace with Policy Changes
For health professionals looking to stay updated on telehealth policy changes, the Manatt Telehealth Policy Tracker is a valuable tool. This resource allows practitioners to track federal and state-level telehealth developments, helping them understand and adapt to evolving regulatory environments.
9. High Adherence Rates Among RPM Users
According to the VNA, patients using RPM devices have demonstrated an 84% daily adherence rate to their health care plans. This statistic underscores the importance of RPM in encouraging patients to consistently follow treatment plans, which is essential for managing chronic conditions and reducing hospital readmissions.
10. Telehealth and Follow-Up Care
A study found that patients with acute conditions who initially sought care via telehealth were more likely to have follow-up encounters, emergency visits, and in-patient admissions compared to those who initially sought in-person care. This underscores the need for clinicians to develop follow-up protocols for telehealth patients to ensure comprehensive care.
Facts About Digital Health and Wellness
The adoption of digital health and wellness technologies is rapidly reshaping the health care landscape, providing clinicians with innovative tools to improve patient outcomes and enhance care accessibility. From RPM programs that reduce readmissions to tools that allow for real-time monitoring of high-risk patients, these advancements in digital health continue to push the boundaries of patient care. For medical professionals, understanding these facts about digital health and wellness can aid in navigating and leveraging these innovations to improve patient care quality and efficiency.
