Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is an evidence-based strategy increasingly linked to reduced hospitalizations. By remotely tracking vital signs and symptoms, healthcare teams can detect issues earlier and intervene before complications require emergency department visits or inpatient admission.
This week’s Research Roundup highlights two recent studies that contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting RPM’s role in improving patient outcomes.
Evidence of Reduced Hospitalizations With RPM
One study, “Efficacy of Remote Health Monitoring in Reducing Hospital Readmissions and Emergency Department Visits,” evaluated 41 high-risk patients recently discharged from a hospital. Participants enrolled in a digital health program that provided remote monitoring devices to track vital signs, such as blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and weight. Clinical teams reviewed the data daily to identify concerning trends and intervene when necessary.
Over a six-month follow-up period, the researchers reported the following results.
- Hospitalizations decreased by more than 50%.
- At three months, the average number of hospitalizations per patient fell from 0.45 to 0.19 (P = .03).
- At six months, hospitalizations decreased from 0.55 to 0.23 per patient (P = .01).
- Emergency department visits were significantly reduced.
- At three months, ED visits dropped from 0.48 to 0.06 per patient (P < .001).
- At six months, ED visits decreased from 0.55 to 0.23 per patient (P = .02).
- Hospital stay days also declined, although not reaching statistical significance.
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- At three months, average days hospitalized per patient fell from 6.61 to 1.94.
- At six months, average days decreased from 7.48 to 6.03.
Importantly, this study focused on high-risk patients with multiple chronic conditions, which is the population most vulnerable to hospital readmissions. The findings suggest that early detection of changes in patient status, paired with rapid intervention through RPM programs, can reduce hospitalization.
Michigan Medicine’s Evidence for Reduced Hospitalizations
Another study published in Telemedicine and e-Health highlights the significant impact of remote patient monitoring on reduced hospitalizations. Conducted through Michigan Medicine’s “Patient Monitoring at Home” program, the study analyzed outcomes from 1,139 patient encounters between November 2020 and August 2022. Patients enrolled received a cellular-enabled tablet and Bluetooth-connected devices to track symptoms and vital signs. The data was monitored daily by a team of registered nurses.
The results showed a 59% reduction in hospital admissions within six months after enrollment, dropping from an average of 1.38 admissions to 0.57 (p < 0.0001). Participants were managing conditions such as COVID-19, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. Notably, shorter monitoring periods were associated with greater reductions in hospitalization rates.
Early Intervention and Reduced Hospitalizations
By continuously monitoring patients through connected devices, RPM enables clinicians to identify early warning signs before they escalate into acute episodes. This proactive care model shifts intervention from reactive crisis management to preventive support, helping patients remain stable at home longer and improving their overall quality of life.
The Broader Implications for Healthcare Systems
The data from these studies reinforce the potential for RPM to:
- Reduce avoidable hospitalizations and emergency department visits.
- Lower healthcare costs associated with inpatient stays.
- Enhance patient outcomes in high-risk and chronic disease populations.
For healthcare organizations advancing value-based care initiatives, integrating RPM programs represents a strategic investment in both clinical outcomes and financial sustainability.
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