3 Exciting Advances in Patient Monitoring to Know About
The year 2020 was one of change, whether consciously or inevitably. This was most evident in the healthcare industry. Arguably it was the industry at the forefront of change.
It’s not surprising that a poll of over 1300 physicians revealed that 85% were seeing patients via video or telephone. This involved ensuring effective patient monitoring using advanced patient monitoring devices.
Medical technology continues to improve. It’s important to keep up-to-date on new patient monitoring systems. Here are a few to look out for.
What Is Patient Monitoring?
Patient monitoring involves using devices to examine and care for patients. This is the norm at healthcare facilities. But remote monitoring became inevitable with the pandemic.
These systems allow doctors to remotely monitor patients while they’re recovering at home. It is a part of telehealth that is currently playing a major role in medical treatment.
3 Patient Monitoring Advances
Patient monitoring systems provide physicians with the technology to continuously monitor patients regardless of their location. These systems provide real-time data. They help doctors make crucial decisions about patient care.
Here are some of the systems that are helping to make medical treatment even more advanced.
1. Wearables
These encompass patient monitoring devices such as:
- electrocardiogram monitors
- continuous glucose monitors
- pulse oximeters
- blood pressure monitors
These have become even more important with the increase in chronic diseases. They help patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and high blood pressure. They can also be a source of preventative care for healthy patients that may have a family history of NCDs.
2. Smart Implants and Prosthetics
These assist physicians in monitoring patients after surgery and/or during their rehabilitation. They measure important factors that help with early intervention if needed.
This ensures doctors catch complications before they become irreversible. This also lessens the need to have patients readmitted.
3. Tele-respiratory Therapy
The need for this particular type of telemedicine therapy is even more crucial now. Doctors can continue caring for respiratory patients after they leave the hospital.
Beam Healthcare Tele-Respiratory Therapy can help physicians design effective treatment plans. Patients can follow these while in the comfort of their homes.
Benefits of Patient Monitoring
Patient monitoring can become a permanent part of future patient treatment. Used along with telemedicine and videoconferencing tools it can ensure the safety and health of patients. Here are some other benefits it can provide:
- A better understanding of patient illnesses
- Early diagnosis of specific conditions
- Improved physician/patient relationships
- Less stressful healthcare delivery
- Reduction of readmissions
Patients will be more aware of their conditions. They will now be playing an active role in their care and are, therefore, more likely to follow their doctor’s orders.
Uncompromised Patient Care Regardless of Location
Every physician wants the best care for their patients. But effective treatment may have been challenging over the past year. Increased fear may have led to patients being reluctant to seek treatment. Creating remote treatment plans may have also been difficult.
But advanced technologies have led to more effective patient monitoring. Patient monitoring devices might be the start of a win-win situation for both physicians and patients. Physicians can use these systems to treat patients with various types of illnesses. Remote monitoring also allows greater patient involvement as they can now play an active role in their treatment.
Want to learn more about recent technological medical advances? Check out our Health section.