04 Jun 24
Born in the 1970s, telemedicine – i.e. the distribution of health-related services and information via telecommunication technologies – is nowadays thriving, thanks to the possibilities offered by the internet and the digital revolution.
In the last few years in particular, due to the Covid pandemic and restrictions, telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) saw a significant increase in popularity, and with good reason: where mobility and access to care are restricted or limited, they build a bridge between patients and healthcare professionals.
In a previous article, we investigated the benefits of telemedicine for spirometry from a patient’s point of view. In this article, we will analyze the advantages of RPM for healthcare providers.
The benefits of telemedicine for spirometry are especially visible when it comes to the efficiency and effectiveness of respiratory care. RPM enables patients and healthcare professionals to collaborate, making it easier for patients to take on an active role in the management of their own health, and enabling doctors to provide personalized support and care.
Here are some key advantages of RPM and telemedicine for spirometry.
The implementation of telemedicine for spirometry enhances patient care while also supporting healthcare providers in delivering more efficient, cost-effective, and personalized respiratory care.
First of all, telemedicine allows for the immediate transmission of spirometry data, enabling providers to make timely decisions regarding treatment adjustments. Regular monitoring helps in the early identification of exacerbation or decline in lung function, allowing for prompt intervention.
In the long run, regular and detailed spirometry data can be integrated into electronic health records, minimizing administrative tasks and improving workflow efficiency for healthcare providers. Over time, the collected data help in understanding individual patient trends and aids in the management of chronic conditions, allowing clinicians to tailor treatment plans more precisely to each patient's needs.
Telemedicine platforms can also facilitate communication between primary care providers and specialists, for a more cohesive approach to patient care.
Telemedicine enables providers to remotely monitor a patient's lung function, making spirometry accessible to people who cannot travel, whether it is because they live in rural or under-served areas, or because they have mobility issues. Performing spirometry tests from home makes it easier for such patients to receive care.
This easier access to means of control has the side benefit of making patients more diligent and likely to comply with regular testing schedules, allowing for more consistent monitoring of chronic conditions like asthma or COPD, enabling a virtuous circle nurtured by improved test accuracy and patient understanding of their condition.
As material as it may sound, scalability is an equally important data point to take into consideration. Telemedicine reduces the need for in-person visits, freeing up clinic resources and reducing costs associated with facility use. It also helps providers manage larger patient populations, reducing the physical space and resources required for in-person spirometry tests.
The best solution for pulmonary function RPM is a personal use spirometer with an App connection.
On the dedicated page on our website, you will find the best state-of-the-art devices for telemedicine for spirometry, as well as downloadable data sheets and brochures. Check them out at the dedicated link.
