What Will The RPM Device Of The Future Look Like?

With the pandemic putting such a large strain on hospital inpatient capacity, it was inevitable that providers would look for ways to discharge the less acute patients safely.

However, it seems we are not even close to a standardized approach to remotely monitoring patients who are still at risk. Protocols for RPM seem to vary from organization to organization, and the form factors for such devices are still emerging.

By this point, we may be in a position to define key aspects of mature RPM. To my mind the solutions need to include the following elements:

* Integrated: RPM data must be formatted (presumably in FHIR) in such a way as to make it consumable by EHRs.

* Reliable:  RPM devices must be durable physically and their OS patched and updated regularly.

* Consistent: The devices providers use for RPM data collection should adhere to at least a core set of measures that can be compared easily with other sets of health data.

* User-friendly: This is particularly important. Especially if you want consumers to wear an RPM device around the clock, it has to look and feel friendly.

* Secure: This almost goes without saying, but it’s critical that this data isn’t sent in the clear, something that might happen if providers experiment with consumer-grade devices.

Another issue that seldom gets discussed is that for RPM to be successful, patients will have to be fully on board.

If they don’t use the devices correctly, take them off at the wrong times or don’t respond appropriately to messages they get from the hardware and software, providers will not be able to get robust results in these technologies. What you’ll end up with is a set of speaking, flashing toys that contribute little or nothing to the patient’s well-being.

Finally, there comes a question of what the ultimate goal of RPM solutions is. In most cases, the devices seem to be wirelessly connected versions of everyday tools used to collect final signs or monitor oxygen sats or track blood glucose levels.

At least some of the vendors playing in the space are going for something doing a lot more to simulate a remote exam. For example, MedWand has created a device allowing doctors to examine patients remotely, bringing together not only vitals data collection but also a stethoscope and a dermatoscope.

Of course, when you create a more elaborate RPM device it has to built into providers’ workflow, but if it produces the kind of results one would hope — particularly improving long-term chronic care — such a comprehensive device might be the next step in the RPM procession.