In healthcare, real-time data can be the difference between proactive care and delayed intervention. Among the many tools available for at-home health monitoring, the contactless thermometer stands out for its convenience, speed, and reliability in infection detection for high-risk populations. This article explores how contactless thermometers are being used in remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs to improve care delivery, reduce infection risk, and support early intervention through consistent, hygienic temperature tracking.
What Is a Contactless Thermometer?
A contactless thermometer is a digital device that measures body temperature without touching the skin. Many use infrared technology to scan the forehead. This is a quick and hygienic way to detect fever or temperature fluctuations. In remote patient monitoring programs, a contactless thermometer allows for noninvasive, frequent monitoring for patients with infectious diseases, chronic conditions, or mobility limitations.
Why Contactless Thermometers for RPM
Remote patient monitoring relies on consistent, high-quality data collected in the home. For patients who need temperature tracking, such as those with respiratory illnesses, COVID-19, or undergoing chemotherapy, traditional thermometers may not be ideal. Contactless options remove many of the barriers to accurate temperature tracking.
Here are a few benefits of RPM thermometers, and how they support patient outcomes and value-based care initiatives.
1. Faster, Easier, and Accurate Data Collection
Contactless thermometers provide nearly instant readings, usually within 1–2 seconds. Patients or caregivers can quickly capture temperature readings without waiting or disrupting sleep. These can be ideal for overnight checks or pediatric care. Research shows that when used correctly, contactless infrared thermometers are just as accurate as oral or rectal thermometers.
2. Improved Infection Control
The FDA reports that the non-contact approach may reduce the risk of spreading disease between people being evaluated. Since there’s no physical contact, the risk of cross-contamination is significantly reduced. This is valuable in households with multiple patients, senior care facilities, or post-acute care environments where infection control is a top priority.
Cleaning between uses should be a priority according to the FDA. Patients and garegivers will want to follow the instructions in the cleaning and disinfecting section of the thermometer device manual. Most
3. Adherence to Monitoring & Identifying Infection
When the technology is simple and nonintrusive, patients are more likely to use it consistently. A contactless thermometer eliminates the discomfort or hesitation that comes with oral or rectal thermometers for better data continuity.
Adherence to monitoring temperature can be vital in detecting sepsis, which is a medical emergency that requires patient and physician to act fast. If sepsis is not treated, tissue damage can occur that may lead to organ failure. A remote patient monitoring thermometer can aid in detecting an early infection where timely antibiotic treatment is most vital.
4. Integration with Cellular Gateways and EHRs
Many remote monitoring solutions now include contactless thermometers that automatically sync data through Bluetooth or cellular RPM devices. This allows temperature readings to be securely transmitted to care teams and integrated into the patient’s electronic health record (EHR), supporting timely clinical interventions.
5. Valuable for Chronic and Acute Care
Contactless thermometers are particularly helpful in managing:
- Respiratory infections: COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
- Oncology patients vulnerable to neutropenic fever.
- Pediatric patients with seizure disorders.
- Post-operative patients monitoring for signs of infection.
- Older adults with limited dexterity or cognitive issues.
Contactless Thermometers in Value-Based Care
As providers and payers continue shifting toward value-based care models, tools that improve early detection, patient experience, and outcomes are in high demand. A contactless thermometer detects fever spikes early at-home, which can it help reduce unnecessary ER visits and hospital readmissions. These are primary goals in any risk-based care program.
Understanding Benefits of Contactless Thermometers
The contactless thermometer may seem like a simple device, but its impact in remote patient monitoring programs is significant. By making temperature tracking easier, safer, and more reliable, it helps healthcare teams deliver faster, smarter care, and patients can stay engaged in managing their health from home. If you’re building an RPM program or evaluating new tools for chronic care management, consider the value of contactless technology.
If you are a chronic care, telehealth, RPM services, or software company member, book a consultation and free demo to learn more about leveraging Tenovi’s FDA-cleared remote patient monitoring devices and data aggregation solutions.
