Technology innovations like telemedicine sessions, temperature sensors, medical devices, and wearables can replace the need for in-person visits and bring about remote care opportunities for patients with chronic illnesses. This is especially valuable during the global pandemic where it is advised by healthcare professionals to avoid going to crowded places and maintain a safe distance. In Pennsylvania, a pilot program conducted to bring remote care for older patients with complex underlying conditions and healthcare needs has revealed;

  • A 35% decrease in visits to the ER
  • 40% reduction in hospital admission rate
  • Average yearly savings of $8,000 per patient
  • Technology and Chronic Disease Management

Technology and Chronic Disease Management

The future suggests that chronic disease can be easily managed from a patient’s home rather than visiting the hospital. Through new tech solutions, routine check-ups and follow-ups can be remotely tracked and managed. Follow-ups can be effectively managed through video sessions or remote patient monitoring tools without having to compromise on the patients’ health. These technological advancements have made it possible for physicians to stay updated in real-time about their patient’s conditions and help to monitor chronic illnesses effectively.

Technology is evolving for the better providing better opportunities for chronically ill patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes. Telemedicine EMR Software implementation, mobile health, and sensors have greatly replaced visiting the doctor’s office or clinic. This has improved the overall care delivery process and even enhanced patient outcome levels.

Infrastructure Requirement to Manage Chronic Diseases Remotely

The following technology solutions need to be a part of the overall infrastructure to remotely organize chronic care management.

  • Sensors and Devices – Medical devices and sensors for measuring blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate are extremely helpful for the provider to keep track of a patient’s vitals. These sensors are integrated with mobile applications to monitor patient conditions remotely.
  • Platforms – These platforms are HIPAA Compliant and provide a bridge of seamless communication between the provider and the patient. The platforms are robust tools that can integrate with devices and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software systems.
  • Integration with EMR Software Solution – Integrating data from devices and sensors into the EMR Software system can facilitate data stability with the initial in-person session recorded in the EMR solution.
  • Data Analytics – Medical devices and sensors can generate a lot of data and with the help of algorithms, this data can help in decision support and prediction.

Final Takeaway

Successful integration of technology for chronic disease management requires planning and the right leadership policies to improve overall health outcomes. Technology developments in wearable devices and sensors are making chronic disease management more affordable and convenient for patients. It is vital that once the technology is leveraged for chronic disease management healthcare professionals should track and monitor the program to evaluate its success.