HRS: Integrate remote monitoring according to your needs
BOSTON—When planning to implement a remote monitoring initiative, organizations should develop a flow that works for their particular clinic, advised Nancy Lee, RN, CCDS, arrhythmia device specialist at the Arrhythmia Center at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis, during a presentation May 10 at the 33rd annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society.
Remote monitoring improves patient care and satisfaction, she stated. Because patients don’t have to take time off from work or drive, patients can save time and money. Lee cited data showing that remote monitoring without events can take from six to 11 minutes with total completion of task.
When implementing a remote monitoring initiative, organizations should first and foremost openly communicate, she said. This involves getting key players to discuss workflow.
“Who will handle the billing? How will they get the information to get paid? How will the workflow change from scheduled versus unscheduled transitions?” Lee cited as examples of issues stakeholders need to consider.
Determine who will check the websites daily for alerts, she said. Also consider who will pull off or review the remote information. “How will it get to the physicians for signature? An EMR or paper record?” she asked.
“When developing the workflow, many people will have different ideas,” Lee warned. She encouraged the listeners to hear them all out. “The workflow may change 10 times before it’s right."
For website maintenance, she advised hiring at least one, preferably two, clinical administrators dedicated to the website and to delegate passwords and privileges. Different vendors may or may not require contracts for remote monitoring, she noted.
To roll out to patients, Lee reminded the audience that each clinic is different and the way to roll out this technology might vary. From mass enrollment to individualized introductions, clinics need to think about their particular patient population. “Clinics have to go with what works for them and their social environment and clinic structure,” she said.
Patients also will need specific instructions on what to do in different situations, she noted. She concluded that remote monitoring benefits clinics by obtaining valuable information from devices without requiring patients the be present at the clinic.
Remote monitoring improves patient care and satisfaction, she stated. Because patients don’t have to take time off from work or drive, patients can save time and money. Lee cited data showing that remote monitoring without events can take from six to 11 minutes with total completion of task.
When implementing a remote monitoring initiative, organizations should first and foremost openly communicate, she said. This involves getting key players to discuss workflow.
“Who will handle the billing? How will they get the information to get paid? How will the workflow change from scheduled versus unscheduled transitions?” Lee cited as examples of issues stakeholders need to consider.
Determine who will check the websites daily for alerts, she said. Also consider who will pull off or review the remote information. “How will it get to the physicians for signature? An EMR or paper record?” she asked.
“When developing the workflow, many people will have different ideas,” Lee warned. She encouraged the listeners to hear them all out. “The workflow may change 10 times before it’s right."
For website maintenance, she advised hiring at least one, preferably two, clinical administrators dedicated to the website and to delegate passwords and privileges. Different vendors may or may not require contracts for remote monitoring, she noted.
To roll out to patients, Lee reminded the audience that each clinic is different and the way to roll out this technology might vary. From mass enrollment to individualized introductions, clinics need to think about their particular patient population. “Clinics have to go with what works for them and their social environment and clinic structure,” she said.
Patients also will need specific instructions on what to do in different situations, she noted. She concluded that remote monitoring benefits clinics by obtaining valuable information from devices without requiring patients the be present at the clinic.