All articles tagged with #remote monitoring
Starting in January, UnitedHealthcare will cease paying physicians for remote monitoring of chronic conditions like hypertension, citing insufficient evidence of efficacy, which impacts many members and follows recent criticism over coverage decisions; exceptions include monitoring for heart failure and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
Researchers in the UK are exploring the use of Garmin Venu 2 smartwatches and a dedicated app to conduct the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) for cardiovascular health remotely. The study aims to make the test shorter and digitize it for home use, potentially reducing the need for frequent hospital visits. Initial results suggest that shortening the test to one minute has no detrimental effect on its accuracy, and patients are more likely to perform the test regularly at home. This innovation could provide more representative health data and reduce the frequency of in-person hospital reviews for conditions like pulmonary hypertension, allowing clinicians to focus their time and expertise more effectively.
A study suggests that using the Google Maps Timeline tool in the smartphone app may help doctors remotely monitor fatigue, walking ability, and disease severity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The tool records daily walking distance and time, providing estimates of daily walking activities and self-perceived symptoms. The study found that most of these measurements were significantly linked to disease-related measures, making Google Maps Timeline a promising tool for monitoring walking abilities in MS patients.
A smart thermostat helped a homeowner avert a potential disaster by alerting them to a problem with their HVAC system while they were away on vacation. The homeowner was able to remotely check the temperature readings in their home and confirm that the main HVAC unit was malfunctioning. However, the current state of connected homes is limited to notifications without the ability to take action. The article suggests that a truly smart home would not only alert homeowners to problems but also offer solutions and even fix issues remotely. The challenge lies in finding a balance between convenience and privacy, as more data and access are required to achieve the full potential of smart homes.
Scientists at the University of Sydney Nano Institute have developed a photonic radar system that can remotely and accurately monitor breathing. The system, which uses light-based photonics technology, allows for non-invasive monitoring of vital signs without physical contact with patients. It has the potential to be used in clinical environments such as hospitals and aged-care facilities, offering enhanced patient comfort and reducing the risk of cross-contamination. The researchers aim to further develop the system for cost-effective, high-resolution, and rapid-response vital sign monitoring, with the possibility of integrating it into handheld devices in the future.