Digital health advances continue to reshape how chronic conditions are managed. Wearables, apps, and digital platforms are showing their value in recent research. From giving patients greater insight into managing their conditions to improving outcomes. When chronic care and remote patient monitoring are used in conjunction, measurable gains in engagement, mobility, and condition control have been shown. This article covers recent studies in the use of digital health technologies in chronic care conditions.
Digital Health Usage
A study conducted by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center explored how patients perceive digital tools in managing chronic diseases, such as conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. The study found that 71% of participants had used some form of digital health technology for managing their illnesses, including mobile apps, telehealth, patient portals, or chronic care remote monitoring. Participants preferred digital tools with features such as medication reminders, diet/nutrition guidance, and access to educational resources.
In terms of acceptance of digital health tools, over three-quarters of respondents felt that telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth) apps could improve chronic disease management. An equal proportion of participants reported feeling comfortable electronically monitoring their health data and sharing it with their healthcare provider. Nearly 73% of participants agreed that using mobile apps helped better control their chronic condition, emphasizing the convenience of self-management and reduced clinic waiting times.
This study adds to the growing evidence supporting the promise of digital health tools in augmenting chronic disease care. Participants recognized the advantages of mHealth apps and expressed openness to more integrated use.
COPD Chronic Care Remote Patient Monitoring
A recent review published in Nature explored the impact of wearable devices on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The analysis encompassed 37 studies with nearly 3,000 participants. The highlights of the study showed:
- Wearables led to a significant increase in daily step counts, averaging around 850 more steps, meeting the threshold for a clinically meaningful change.
- Participants using wearables showed improved walking capacity measured by the 6-minute walk test, though the improvement fell slightly short of the minimal clinically important difference.
- Wearables led to a small, likely negligible drop in COPD assessment test scores, indicating minimal impact on quality of life. They did not significantly affect time in moderate-vigorous activity or leg strength.
- Combining wearables with coaching or pulmonary rehab yielded positive outcomes, with almost 1,000 more daily steps than usual care.
- While wearables show promise in increasing activity levels in COPD patients, benefits diminished beyond 3 months, and overall quality of life remained largely unchanged. Further research is essential for long-term impacts and cost-effectiveness before integration into routine care.
This review highlights the potential of digital health technology in COPD self-management but emphasizes the need for personalized guidance and shared decision-making with healthcare teams. When combined with additional support, wearables show promise in enhancing activity levels. However, sustained benefits and long-term impacts necessitate further investigation before integration into routine care.
Evaluating a Chronic Care Remote Patient Monitoring System for Respiratory Diseases
A recent study published in JMIR Publications tested a multi-component remote monitoring system for patients with respiratory illnesses, including COPD or COVID-19 aftereffects. The observational trial enrolled 60 patients over 180 days to assess the feasibility of chronic care remote patient monitoring commercial wearables, home spirometry, and apps in collecting data for guiding care.
The observational trial enrolled 60 patients to use the toolkit for 180 days. Adherence was highest for passive data from wearables worn 18 hours daily. Meanwhile, home spirometry completion lagged at just 59%, confirming it placed a high burden on users. Highlights of the study included the following.
- Passive data from wearables, worn 18 hours daily, exhibited the highest adherence, while home spirometry completion lagged at just 59%, indicating a higher burden on users.
- Wearable sensors and periodic surveys sustained engagement over the six months, whereas adherence to active app entries and spirometry declined more rapidly.
- Allowing protocol breaks and providing flexible support improved retention and overall participant experience.
- 90% of home spirometry attempts met quality standards for clinical utility.
The study provides insights into the feasibility and acceptance of different components of a remote monitoring for respiratory diseases. Passive, continuous monitoring via wearables demonstrated promise for managing respiratory conditions. The findings suggest that wearable biosensors enabling round-the-clock vital sign tracking at low user burden could become vital for early disease intervention. Additional research into accuracy is needed, but chronic care remote patient monitoring technologies stand to relieve pressures on both patients and health systems greatly.
Understanding Chronic Care and Remote Patient Monitoring
These three studies contribute factual insights into chronic care and remote patient monitoring. From the perspectives on digital tools for chronic disease management to the role of wearables in COPD management and the evaluation of a remote monitoring system for respiratory diseases, each study offers valuable data. This week’s studies underscore the potential benefits, challenges, and areas for improvement in chronic care remote patient monitoring.
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