Skilled nursing facilities manage residents who may need regular monitoring for chronic or acute health conditions. Remote patient monitoring can add another layer of support by collecting health information through connected medical devices and making that data available to healthcare providers. This can help care teams stay informed between routine assessments and respond when readings show meaningful changes.
What Remote Patient Monitoring Can Track
Remote patient monitoring in skilled nursing facilities can be used to collect different types of physiological data, depending on a resident's condition and care plan. Common measurements include blood pressure, weight, blood glucose, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
The collected information can give providers a broader view of a resident's health rather than relying only on readings taken during scheduled visits. This may be particularly useful for residents who require closer observation because of ongoing health concerns.
Benefits for Care Teams and Residents
A well-planned RPM program can support communication between residents, facility staff, and healthcare providers. Regular data can help clinicians identify changes that may require attention and make more informed care decisions.
For facilities, the approach can also support:
More consistent access to patient health data
Better communication between care teams
Ongoing monitoring between clinical visits
Greater patient involvement in managing health
However, RPM should complement clinical care rather than replace appropriate in-person assessment.
Implementing RPM in a Skilled Nursing Facility
Successful implementation requires more than providing monitoring devices. Staff need appropriate training, residents need clear instructions, and the facility should have a defined process for reviewing and responding to incoming data. CMS identifies education and device setup, connected data collection, and treatment management as key components of RPM.
Facilities considering remote patient monitoring in skilled nursing facilities can assess their residents' needs, existing workflows, technology requirements, and clinical responsibilities before selecting a solution.
With the right technology, processes, and clinical oversight, RPM can help care teams access useful health information and stay connected with residents' changing needs. Book a demo today to learn the benefits a RPM app offers.