There’s no doubt that Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is on the rise. A 2021 survey conducted by Insider Intelligence showed that there were 39.3 million remote patient monitoring devices in use— with estimations that there would be 70.6 million users by 2025. 

Remote patient monitoring companies are working diligently to meet the growing market demands, and keep up with the latest technology. This way, they can provide the best devices to collect accurate data for monitoring. 

In addition to RPM being a great complement to specific health needs, remote patient monitoring is helping change the face of preventative healthcare. We are now able to see which needs must be met before problems arise or worsen. 

Top Remote Patient Monitoring Trends in 2022

While remote patient monitoring devices are not new - think pacemakers and rotary landlines, modern technology is significantly improving the quality and expanding the types of devices and what they monitor. 

The most common devices being used today are blood pressure monitors, glucose monitors, heart rate monitors, pulse oximeters, and respiratory monitors. 

While these devices have been used in previous years, remote patient monitoring companies are improving the science and technology behind them. They are doing so by creating smaller and less bulky devices. For example, glucose monitors are sometimes placed under the skin instead of worn, so a patient never has to be without them. 

Today we are looking at improved devices for:

• Personal devices - There are a wide variety of wearables that classify as RPM devices. Some are made for personal use and can tie into remote patient monitoring systems at a healthcare provider's office. These include the Oura ring, Fitbit, and Apple Watch.
  
  
• Diabetes - By having integrated Bluetooth blood glucose monitors and insulin pumps, healthcare providers can monitor whether the patient’s glucose levels are being treated effectively.

• Heart Disease - Patients wear heart screens to alert their cardiologist of new or consistent heart conditions. 

• Infertility - There are apps that help patients struggling with infertility track their fertility cycles. Similar pregnancy rates are being seen as with those utilizing in-vitro preparation (IVF).

• Eating Disorders - Enables healthcare providers to analyze sensitive health metrics collected from patients– such as weight with numberless scales, and help patients reach their necessary health goals. 

• Sleep Apnea - Patients who need to wear CPAP machines can have their data monitored and tracked nightly.

Current technology has dramatically improved reception allowing for better data transmission as well. This makes these wearable devices even more accurate and easy to use. 

With so many devices in existence, more and more patients can get the help they need. Currently, a good portion of the patients using RPMs are elderly. However, more and more younger generations are coming into the fold as new technology is created to monitor other issues and aspects of well-being. Personal wearable technology is seen the most in younger generations as they prioritize taking their health into their own hands. 

What is the difference between telehealth and remote patient monitoring?

Remote patient monitoring differs from telehealth in that telehealth is the provision of healthcare remotely. Such appointments are made up of general health, skin issues, prescription refills, nutritional care, mental health care, and some urgent care such as UTIs. 

Telehealth can utilize remote patient monitoring; however, RPM also conveys health information to medical personnel, functional medicine providers, coaches, and even the patient, depending on the remote patient’s monitoring device. RPM allows providers to stay informed and up-to-date on a client’s health as monitoring continuously sends data. 

How does a remote patient monitoring device work

Remote patient monitoring devices collect data through modern-day technology using specified programming. The data is then transmitted via wireless communication to a command center at the healthcare facility. 

The provider then has access to real-time and accurate views of the monitored health statistics. This allows the provider to make any necessary changes to treatment plans as they are needed– taking healthcare one step further than just using these devices when a patient is not feeling well enough to go in for a visit. 

Most Influential Remote Patient Monitoring Companies

While many devices perform a multitude of functions, there are a handful of remote patient monitoring companies that lead the industry. These companies range from monitoring CPAP machines to personal fitness devices. The top few are:

• Dexcom
• Shapa 
• Withings
• Honeywell Life Sciences
• Medtronic
• Philips Healthcare
• ResMed
• Senseonics
  
  

They lead the industry with sales and technological advancements. The expectation is more companies will follow and these existing companies will continue to innovate. 

How Telehealth Platforms Use Remote Patient Monitoring

Telehealth platforms are most beneficial when they integrate with a wide array of remote patient monitoring systems. Healthie allows healthcare and wellness providers to integrate with remote patient monitoring devices such as wearables, scales, blood glucose devices, and blood pressure monitors. It also integrates with many apps that relate to healthcare habits, such as diet and exercise. 

Accessing up-to-date health data easily helps wellness providers get a clear picture of a patient's healthcare needs and how best to meet them.