TelemonitoringTelemonitoring is the name given to a relatively new aspect of telemedicine, a form of therapy that physically separates the patient from the treating doctor, at the same time upholding direct contact between the two.
Telemonitoring allows regular requests for vital parameters e.g. on risk patients at home. Intensive and comprehensive patient care is important especially after the patient has been discharged from hospital.
Every day measurements are taken on the patient’s state and ingested medication as well as weight, blood pressure, ECG, cardiac frequency and rhythm, respiration, and oxygen saturation. The data measured on the patient are sent to the telemedical centre. There the received data are evaluated and transmitted to the treating family doctor at regular intervals. The family doctor, specialist, or clinic is notified immediately of any acute deterioration in the patient’s state of health.
Advantages for the patient –- higher quality of life
- proactive participation during treatment
- medical care improved by faster detection of changes affecting health
- shorter hospital stays
- intensive care during the critical stage following discharge from hospital
- no unnecessary visits to the doctor
- assessment of medicinal efficacy and early detection of side effects
Advantages for the GP and specialist –- constant medical care based on transmitted vital parameters and closer relationship to the patient
- access to objective data for hospitalisation decisions
- data-based decision aids e.g. for discontinuing medication
- raised diagnostic reliability
- closer contact with the specialist at the clinic
- participation in integrated medical care
Advantages for health insurance –- shorter hospitalisations and occupied bed times
- fewer unnecessary visits to the doctor
- optimised dosing of medication
- competitive advantages
Advantages for the clinic –- occupied bed times reduced by intensive follow-up outpatient treatment
- closer relationship to the patient
- integrated medical care promoted by close cooperation with GPs and specialists
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