By Camille Dang
As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on across the world, confining billions of people to their homes and sending millions to hospitals, it is increasingly becoming more difficult for patients with chronic illnesses to have checkups at their local hospital or clinic, and the need for remote patient monitoring is as important as ever. RPM, or remote patient monitoring, is an effective way for doctors to monitor patients with chronic diseases at patients’ homes through technology. Chronic diseases affect about 45% of the entire American population, with some of the most common chronic diseases including heart diseases, diabetes, cancer, and hypertension. According to the CDC, 6 in 10 adults are affected by one chronic disease and 4 in 10 adults are affected by two or more chronic diseases. In addition, the WHO states that chronic diseases account for 60% of all deaths.
During these times especially, checkups at the hospital are becoming exceedingly dangerous as they put patients at risk for contracting Covid-19. Coming to the hospital, especially at this time, is perpetuating the pandemic and endangering patients.
In addition, during this pandemic, the healthcare system is often overloaded and hospital capacity is stretched to the maximum. Many hospitals are required to prioritize Covid-19 patients, giving chronically ill patients a great disadvantage as there will likely not have any room or enough equipment to take care of them effectively. In this case, having RPM as an option is extremely beneficial for patients and keeps them as top priority.
Having to drive to the hospital and check upon those with chronic diseases is not only inconvenient but the time spent during emergency hospital drives can also account for many premature deaths.
Using DrKumo’s RPM technology would ensure that patients are getting the quality of care that they deserve, the level of quality that would not be matched at the hospital during this pandemic. In addition to a greater quality of care, using RPM will allow patients to avoid the costliness that hospital visits entail and likely save the patient quite a lot of money and inconvenience.
DrKumo, an RPM-based branch of IDLogiq, is dedicated to creating an effective remote patient monitoring system for chronically ill patients. In a time where RPM is especially needed, DrKumo is able to provide patients with advanced RPM technology to address each chronically ill patients’ needs in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
With today’s technology, RPM gives chronically ill patients the opportunity to be safe from potential risks that being in an outdoor healthcare setting would pose. In addition, using DrKumo’s RPM technology improves the quality of care as it ensures that chronically ill patients and their vitals are being monitored 24/7 by clinicians and doctors. Patients are able to contact their doctors whenever necessary and conversely, doctors are notified whenever the patients’ situation becomes concerning. In this way, DrKumo’s RPM is both preventive and preemptive: the doctors monitor the patients’ vitals at all times and contact them if they are aware of something alarming; the doctor will then aid the patient through RPM technology if taking a long drive to the hospital is inconvenient. Constant monitoring through RPM technology can prevent major health threats before they happen, potentially saving many lives. As previously mentioned, chronic diseases are most prevalent in adults; in particular, approximately 80% of all adults aged 65 or older have at least one chronic disease and 68% have two or more chronic diseases. This age group is most at risk for Covid-19, and aside from the pandemic, it is generally difficult for them to find a way to the hospital in the most efficient manner. Having doctors monitor chronically ill patients remotely will ensure the safest environment for all patients, but particularly those in the age category of age 65 and older. In addition, doctors will be able to monitor patients’ intake of prescribed pills or medication, increasing medication adherence.
DrKumo’s RPM has also been seen to improve patient response and interaction, as patients appreciate the notion of being able to be directly involved in ensuring optimal care of their own health. Patients will be instructed thoroughly on how to use certain equipment and will be equipped with more than the sufficient knowledge necessary in order to make theirs a great and effective patient-centric experience.
Not only is DrKumo’s RPM safer and more effective for patients, but it also reduces cost for patients and avoids the expensive healthcare bills that visiting the hospital multiple times entails.
With all this in mind, DrKumo’s RPM is clearly the more effective route for chronically ill patients. Being able to monitor patients 24/7 is safer and more efficient for patients, and RPM is a great preemptive monitoring system, possibly preventing many untimely deaths. In addition, not only does DrKumo’s RPM foster an environment in which constant feedback from doctors and continuous communication between patients and clinicians is encouraged, it allows for patients to avoid the costly healthcare bills that constant hospital visits require.
Chronic diseases affect about 45% of the American population, and during this pandemic, it is more important than ever to address their needs and ensure their safety. By choosing DrKumo’s RPM, we can guarantee this and keep the chronically ill safe during these unprecedented times.
