RPM programs can improve patient care and outcomes through the power of real-time monitoring and engagement. However, the path to running a successful RPM program is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to scaling.
The complexity of scaling an RPM program often stems from approaching it with a traditional in-person healthcare mindset, leading to inefficient execution and increased costs. However, by reframing your strategy to align with the demands of the digital era, scaling can become more manageable and cost-effective.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the specific obstacles that can make RPM programs difficult to scale and outline actionable strategies that health systems can use to ease these growing pains.
Scaling RPM programs often gets tricky when health systems try to recreate a virtual version of their in-person services — instead of fully embracing the potential of remote operations. Here are the typical stumbling blocks:
Siloed care teams. Fragmented care teams pose a significant hurdle to scaling RPM programs. In these setups, each specialty or unit operates independently, focused solely on its own patients. While this approach can make sense in traditional healthcare settings where departments are physically separated, it makes growth challenging in the digital realm.
In an online environment, siloed care teams add unnecessary layers of complexity, slowing down processes and driving up costs. For instance, when patients have multiple health conditions, each care team may manage their devices and data independently, leading to duplication of efforts and fragmented insights into the patient's overall health. By breaking down these silos and promoting collaboration, healthcare organizations can optimize efficiency and deliver more integrated care to patients.
Inadequate virtual care training. With the rapid shift to digital health accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare professionals suddenly found themselves navigating unfamiliar digital platforms and communication tools to deliver care remotely. This sudden transition left many nurses feeling ill-equipped to handle the nuances of virtual care, from establishing rapport with patients to conducting telehealth assessments. Unfortunately, even as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, many nurses still lack formal training in virtual care, relying instead on trial and error to adapt to the demands of remote patient monitoring. This lack of preparation not only hampers the effectiveness of RPM programs but also contributes to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Poor device management. Choosing devices that are not cost-effective or user-friendly can dramatically drive up RPM program costs because they can lead to increased operational expenses, lower patient adherence, and additional costs for replacements and repairs. Unfortunately, many health systems lack the expertise to determine which devices are the best on the market and most effective for their patient population — leading to wasted budgets and time. The logistics of getting medical devices to patients for use in their homes can be tricky for health systems too, due to increased expenses related to storage, sorting, and shipping items from multiple vendors.
Data overload. RPM inherently generates a vast amount of data. Without streamlined data management processes, healthcare teams may struggle to secure, consolidate, and analyze the wealth of information. Crucial data could get scattered across multiple platforms, hindering comprehensive patient care. In the worst-case scenario, valuable information may go unused or misinterpreted, negating the intended benefits of the RPM program altogether.
To build and scale high-performing RPM programs, it’s essential to reimagine them as virtual initiatives and design systems that capitalize on their capabilities:
Create centralized care teams. Instead of operating in silos, clinical teams should be organized to collaborate seamlessly and flexibly across different specialties and programs. For example, a nurse with specialized experience in cardiac care can contribute to both cardiac RPM programs and intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring, eliminating the need to segregate teams based on specific patient populations. By cross-training staff members and fostering a collaborative environment, healthcare organizations can maximize resources and prevent duplicated efforts.
Provide virtual care training. For healthcare providers, transitioning into remote roles entails more than just embracing new technologies. While remote care offers unique advantages like convenience and real-time monitoring, it also requires that clinicians and nurses master skills specific to remote settings, such as conducting telehealth assessments. Make virtual care training available to all healthcare providers participating in RPM programs.
Streamline device management. – Efficient device management hinges on centralization. By consolidating device procurement, distribution, and maintenance under a single vendor, health systems can reduce administrative burdens, streamline operations, and minimize logistical complexities. A reputable vendor can vet devices for quality and suitability, handle the intricate logistics involved in device deployment and management, and foster consistency and standardization across the organization.
Connect the data. An efficient data management system not only enables care teams to access comprehensive information but also drives patient engagement through AI-driven solutions that automate tasks like reminders and education. This reduces the burden on healthcare staff while ensuring consistent communication with patients. AI can also streamline documentation processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in capturing patient data. Opting for a platform or vendor that prioritizes streamlined data access and management empowers care teams to make more informed decisions and improve patient outcomes.
Scaling an RPM program requires adapting to the digital era to streamline processes and provide better patient outcomes. When planned and implemented well, RPM programs offer long-term benefits like lower readmission rates, shorter hospital stays, and reduced staff burnout.