When someone suffers a stroke, timing is everything. The sooner a patient is treated, the better their chances of preventing permanent disability or worse. Unfortunately, many stroke patients, especially in rural or underserved areas, face challenges in accessing prompt specialized stroke. Telehealth for stroke services enhances diagnosis, delivery of stroke care, and post-acute care, particularly in regions with limited access to specialized neurological care.
This article explains how telehealth for stroke and remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs work and supporting research about the benefits of using these technologies.
What is Telehealth for Stroke in Post-Acute Care?
Telehealth brings stroke expertise directly to the patient through real-time virtual telemedicine technology for real-time consultation with emergency providers and remote stroke specialists for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients. According to the Telestroke Services Market Report (2024), the global market for telestroke services was valued at $1,550 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5% through 2032. This surge is fueled by increasing stroke incidence worldwide and these advancements in telemedicine technology.
Telehealth for stroke involves using secure videoconferencing and data-sharing platforms to connect patients with remote stroke specialists. This allows neurologists and other stroke experts to evaluate the patient’s condition and provide real-time guidance to the local medical team on the most appropriate course of treatment.
When a potential stroke patient arrives at a hospital or emergency department, the local healthcare providers can initiate a telestroke consultation.
A remote specialist can then:
- Conduct a neurological examination virtually by observing the patient and communicating through the video link.
- Review the patient’s medical history, vital signs, and brain imaging scans (CT or MRI) shared electronically.
- Determine the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and its severity.
- Recommend appropriate treatment options.
Telehealth Stroke Care Research
Remote Patient Monitoring in Stroke Recovery
High blood pressure is the most controllable risk factor for stroke. Telehealth stroke post-acute care uses remote patient monitoring (RPM). RPM allows physicians to track vital signs and trends in blood pressure readings and observe patients’ responses to medications. With RPM, thresholds can be set so qualified healthcare professionals receive real-time alerts if a patient’s blood pressure reads too high.
A remote blood pressure monitor that is easy to use at home for telehealth stroke recovery is among the best patient options. For example, Tenovi’s BPM blood pressure monitor eliminates complicated setup and is user-friendly. The Tenovi RPM blood pressure monitor is an FDA-cleared, cellular-connected blood pressure monitor. Using a cellular network, it transmits patient vital sign monitoring data through the Tenovi Cellular Gateway.
The patient wraps the cuff around their upper arm, presses one button, and the cuff inflates to take the reading. The device then sends the data to the remote patient monitoring platform.
Understanding Telehealth for Stroke
Embracing remote patient monitoring for telehealth stroke recovery, particularly with TASC, is transformative. The Columbia University research confirms that it significantly enhances patient engagement, access to care, and blood pressure control. Remote patient monitoring and telehealth for stroke survivors are valuable tools for improving the quality of life and the journey to recovery.
At Tenovi, we’re committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies that empower healthcare providers and patients. Tenovi provides chronic care, telehealth, and remote patient monitoring software and services companies with FDA-cleared RPM devices and customized integrations for real-time access to their patient’s health and billing data. Contact Tenovi today for a free demo and consultation.
