Telemonitoring adds to quality of life while cutting costs

I spend a lot of time talking to, and writing about, mobile technology developers of all stripes. Usually, it isn’t long before the conversation shifts to how the latest gadget or mHealth app will help reduce healthcare costs, particularly among those affected by chronic illness.

Sure, we’ve heard the stats: CDC attributes seven out of every 10 deaths in the U.S. to chronic diseases, and the number of people whose lives are limited by chronic illness is equally staggering. Nevertheless, uptake of telehealth technologies—which address both cost and quality of life issues—remains slow.
 
Clinicians have their reasons for preferring proven solutions to new offerings, as do some patients, but an integrated approach to care across the healthcare continuum will always be a smart option—and that’s a drum worth beating from time to time, as a timely reminder of what’s now possible.
 
As an MD News report points out, early in the disease state, self care can be a reasonable goal for the patient. But as patients advance through the disease process, they may need help with self care as they strive to remain independent.
 
“A comprehensive home health agency with a home-based telemonitoring program can ideally prevent the need for costly emergency room visits and hospital admissions,” the article states. It goes on to add, “Remote patient monitoring also supports better-informed clinical decision making, and actively involves the patient in their own care.”
 
I know, we’ve heard the upside of telemonitoring before. But as we push into 2011, it bears repeating. And repeating.
 
 
Photo obtained from Honeywell.