Getting started
Remote patient monitoring can help you manage your patient’s care.
On this page:
What is remote patient monitoring?
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a form of asynchronous telehealth. It does not require a live interaction between the provider and patient.
RPM uses digital devices to collect and send patient data and clinical information. The health care provider reviews the patient’s health data. This information is used to manage health conditions, detect health risks, and educate patients.
Often, the information is collected by the patient outside of the health care setting. For example, types of RPM devices include:
Scales to check your weight
Tools that check your heart rate
Technology that measures your blood sugar
Instruments that check blood pressure
Tools that check for sleep problems
Equipment to track breathing
Monitors to track your baby while you are pregnant
Role of patients and providers
Both patients and providers play a role in RPM.
To effectively use RPM, the patient is responsible for:
- Data collection. Patients are responsible for using remote monitoring devices to regularly monitor their health information. Most information is collected at least daily. Sometimes the patient may be required to collect data multiple times a day. Some wearable devices can collect and send the patient’s health information to the provider automatically.
- Data transmission. The patient’s health information is shared with the provider. This can be done electronically by either by typing the data into a patient portal or using the device to automatically send the data.
- Data review. Patients should review and discuss their data with their provider. This helps them learn what they can do to better manage their health.
Providers are expected to:
- Monitor. Providers must regularly monitor their patient's data. This is usually performed by a nurse or other clinical member of the team.
- Notify. If a patient’s data is outside a normal range, a member of the care team must contact the patient. Sometimes the patient may not have used the technology correctly. It is good practice to do a second reading. This ensures that the information is accurate.
- Take action. The provider uses their clinical knowledge and the patient’s data to determine how to proceed. The provider may decide to adjust medications, schedule an appointment, or refer the patient to the emergency department.
- Educate. The provider reviews the health information with the patient. This provides the opportunity to increase the patient’s understanding of their condition. This also provides an opportunity for the patient to take a more active role in managing their health.
Benefits of remote patient monitoring
RPM helps both patients and their providers.
For patients, the benefits of RPM include:
- Patient engagement. By tracking their health information, patients play a more active role in managing their health.
- Behavior change. Patients can measure how their activity and diet affect their health.
- Prevention. Remote monitoring tools may prevent health problems by helping the patient track and take steps to prevent adverse events.
- Learning. The use of remote monitoring devices may help patients become more knowledgeable about their health.
- Convenience. Patients can share information with their provider without traveling to an office or scheduling a visit.
For providers, the benefits of RPM include:
- Care coordination. Remote patient monitoring may help with care management for patients with chronic health conditions. It is especially helpful for patients who are at high-risk of poor health outcomes.
- Shared decision making. RPM can facilitate patient-provider communication. This increases the patient’s participation in their health.
- Prevention. The provider can use the data sent by the patient to detect when levels are out of range. This allows them to react quickly.
More information
What is remote patient monitoring? — Health Resources and Services Administration
Remote patient monitoring — Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Health IT Playbook — Office of the National Coordinator
Remote patient monitoring toolkit — California Telehealth Resource Center
Remote patient monitoring toolkit — Great Plains Telehealth Resource Center
Remote patient monitoring factsheet — Upper Midwest Telehealth Resource Center
Tech talks with the TRCs: Remote patient monitoring — National Technology Telehealth Resource Center