Traditionally, monitoring IV antibiotic therapy at home following a major infection has relied on home nurse visits to track vital signs, complications, and adherence. These visits can often be one to four times daily. However, gaps between visits can allow issues to go undetected, which could lead to delayed discharges and increased readmissions.
Patients receiving IV antibiotics at home also face challenges, including complex medication schedules and limited support. This can heighten the risk of non-adherence and complications. In fact, over 50% of some chronically ill patients experience hospital readmissions due to these issues.
This article explores the IV Ensure remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) device as an advanced solution to IV antibiotic at home care. We’ll review the technology behind IV Ensure and highlight a clinical study at Oklahoma University that discusses its potential to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and expand access to care for patients recovering from a major infection at home.
Breakthrough in IV Antibiotic at Home Care with RTM
Remote therapeutic monitoring uses outpatient rehabilitation therapy services to monitor how the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems are functioning, a patient’s therapy adherence and therapy response. IV Ensure uses RTM to monitor progress and symptoms of recovery from major infection along with IV antibiotics at home.
The palm-sized, FDA-approved device connects directly to a patient’s IV setup. It collects and transmits infusion data, such as start times, end times, and daily adherence rates, in real-time via a cellular connection. By integrating directly into IV antibiotic at home care, IV Ensure simplifies monitoring for both patients and healthcare providers.
Its innovative design and intuitive operation allow patients to engage with their care while giving a physician detailed insights into patient progress and adherence to IV antibiotic at home regimens. To use the device, the patient clips it to their IV infusion line and presses a button to communicate symptoms and how they are feeling. The device monitors infusion activity in real-time and sends the data to case managers, who monitor infusion data remotely so they can provide timely support.
Oklahoma University Clinical Trial
Results from an IV Ensure clinical trial by Oklahoma University showed that it “reduced the odds of infection-related hospital readmission by 76% at 30 days after hospital discharge and by 68% up to 90 days after discharge.” Moreover, the device showed a 94% median infusion adherence rate among participants. This data illustrates the potential of RTM technology to aid in delivery of IV antibiotic at home treatments, reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.
IV Ensure addresses hospital readmissions, medication non-adherence, and care equity for those recovering at home with IV antibiotic at home therapy by:
- Minimizing hospital returns lowers costs and risks for patients.
- Ensuring adherence is crucial for recovery from conditions like bone and joint infections.
- RTM expands access to high-quality care in underserved areas, bridging gaps in support for IV antibiotic at home therapies.
The Future of IV Antibiotic at Home Care
IV Ensure uses RTM as a method for managing recovery from major infection with and IV antibiotic at home. As healthcare evolves, technologies like this pave the way for improved outcomes, reduced costs, and more equitable access to care. For providers and policymakers, the Oklahoma University trial offers a case for investing in solutions that empower patients and connect data seamlessly.