Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) allows the transmission of one’s physiological data from their home setting to clinicians, ensuring that they are routinely monitored outside the hospital. Typically used for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, the use of RPM went through a crisis-induced expansion during the pandemic to cater to acute conditions as well. Acute illnesses are those that generally develop suddenly and last a short time like cold, malaria, typhoid, step throat, fracture, etc.
Using RPM for managing acute illnesses escalated patient care at the earliest signs of worsening and gave reassurance to patients who were isolated at home, especially during covid.
Remote monitoring allows clinicians get to have greater visibility over their patients and enhanced communication pathways with other healthcare practitioners. It also frees up resources and gives way to clinical personnel work distribution. Further study is required to understand the implications, cost, and efficacy of using RPM to manage acute illnesses.