This article is a comprehensive guide to using the FDA-cleared OMRON Blood Pressure Monitor for remote patient monitoring (RPM). We describe how it connects to Tenovi’s Cellular Gateway and its role in managing hypertension, heart failure, and stroke prevention. In addition, we highlight key features and proper usage.
Recent research from Yale New Haven, published by the American Heart Association, identified substantial blood pressure variability between in-office visits, underscoring the limitations of episodic clinic assessments in managing hypertension. Utilizing a remote blood pressure monitoring device between office visits offers a better solution to control blood pressure fluctuations and enhance patient care.
The following sections explore the role of remote blood pressure monitoring in managing hypertension, heart failure, and stroke prevention.
Managing Hypertension with the OMRON Blood Pressure Monitor
According to the CDC, only 1 in 4 adults, or 22.5%, have their hypertension under control, and almost half of those (45%) have a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher. Remote patient monitoring has become a key advantage in managing hypertension. RPM allows patients to use blood pressure devices to measure blood pressure at home for regular monitoring.
RPM aids in the early detection of issues, facilitating timely treatment adjustments. In addition, RPM reduces the risk of hospitalizations, engages patients in their care, and provides valuable long-term data trends for healthcare providers.
The following section explores how remote blood pressure monitoring has emerged as a pivotal tool in stroke prevention.
Stroke Prevention and the OMRON Blood Pressure Monitor
People with high blood pressure are more likely to have a stroke than those without high blood pressure. However, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that when remote patient monitoring is combined with pharmacist-led management, it leads to substantial and lasting reductions in blood pressure levels, extending over 24 months and outperforming standard care.
In addition, the American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that RPM could cut the rates of heart attacks and strokes by 50% when compared to customary care and self-monitoring practices. The AHA supports initiatives to expand access to evidence-based RPM technologies to reduce the burden of stroke and other cardiovascular events.
The following section explores how remote blood pressure monitoring has emerged as a pivotal tool in heart failure prevention.
Heart Failure and Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring
Heart failure impacts the lives of over 6.2 million people in the U.S. Significant advancements have been made in treating heart failure with device therapies. However, patients still face a 50% risk of rehospitalization within six months of an initial hospital admission. This growing concern shows the urgent need for innovative solutions to alleviate readmission for heart failure patients. Remote patient monitoring technology solutions shift the focus toward effective heart failure management. They aim to provide an understanding of the science behind monitoring signals, creating personalized plans, and connecting different aspects of care.
The following sections explain how the OMRON RPM Blood Pressure Monitor works, its features, and how to take a measurement properly.
OMRON RPM Blood Pressure Monitor Features
OMRON and Tenovi are committed to ensuring that patient blood pressure monitors are accurate, portable, and user-friendly. Remote blood pressure monitoring helps physicians identify early complications and prompt treatment between visits. A remote blood pressure monitor measures and displays systolic, diastolic, and heart rates.
According to the American Heart Association, any systolic reading above 130 mmHg is considered hypertensive. Additionally, any diastolic reading above 80 mmHg is considered hypertensive. The top number is the systolic blood pressure measurement. This indicates pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. In comparison, the bottom number is diastolic blood pressure measurement. This shows the amount of pressure in between heartbeats.
OMRON’s RPM Blood Pressure Monitor is an FDA-cleared device with industry-leading accuracy. It also works right out of the box, eliminating the hassle of device setup. Below are key features of the OMRON RPM Blood Pressure Monitor.
- Contents include a tabletop monitor, a cuff, and 4 AA batteries.
- Accuracy and range: Blood pressure: within +/- 3 mgHg or 2 percent; Pulse: within +/- 5 percent of reading.
- Test time of 4 seconds
- FDA-cleared
How Does the OMRON RPM Blood Pressure Monitor Work?
The Tenovi Cellular Gateway powers the OMRON RPM Blood Pressure Monitor. Patients connect the Tenovi Cellular Gateway one time to take daily blood pressure measurements. The device is ready to use right out of the box and is user-friendly.
For example, an LED ring on the Gateway turns red every morning to remind patients to take a measurement. The OMRON RPM Blood Pressure Monitor automatically transmits data wirelessly to the Tenovi cloud. And it turns green to let the patient know the measurement was successfully sent. Through Tenovi’s advanced system integrations, physicians can view the measurements in the Tenovi dashboard or their proprietary platform.
How to Use the OMRON RPM Blood Pressure Monitor
The American Heart Association generally recommends with upper arm cuffs as opposed to wrist monitors for more reliable results. To use the OMRON RPM Blood Pressure Monitor, wrap the cuff around the upper arm (ensure the cuff is on bare skin, not clothing) and press the middle button. The cuff will inflate, measure blood pressure, and automatically send the data to the RPM platform.
This quick video shows you how to set up and use the OMRON RPM Blood Pressure Monitor.
Please see the OMRON RPM Blood Pressure Monitor Quick Start Guide for further assistance.
For the best results, patients are encouraged to:
- Relax for about 5 minutes before measuring.
- Sit comfortably and avoid crossing their legs.
- Keep their arm rested on top of a table or armrest.
- Empty the bladder.
- Measure around the same time every day.
- Avoid eating, exercise, caffeine, and alcohol for at least half an hour before.
- Take the measurement twice, about a minute apart, to ensure accuracy, and then average the numbers.
Tenovi Remote Patient Monitoring Technical Support
Remote patient monitoring devices can improve the quality of care for patients with chronic conditions but also require proper guidance and support. That’s why Tenovi offers a HIPAA-compliant technical support team that helps patients and providers get started with RPM technology such as the OMRON blood pressure monitor and the OMRON wrist blood pressure monitor, and troubleshoot any issues.
Tenovi’s technical support associates are trained to provide clear and friendly instructions on how to use RPM devices and access the Tenovi RPM platform. By providing this level of support, Tenovi reduces the workload and stress for healthcare providers and enhances 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.