How RPM Programs Can Empower Patients and Help Manage COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease leading to airflow obstruction in the lungs. It affects 16 million people, and is one of the most costly chronic conditions, adding up to $49B annually in the U.S. While there is no treatment to reverse or cure COPD, Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) can help your patients manage their symptoms.  

RPM Connected Pulse Oximeters Empower Patients

Standard treatment for COPD includes medication to aid with breathing, pulmonary rehabilitation including exercises and nutrition, as well as supplemental oxygen. However, COPD can be a challenging condition to manage. Fortunately, there are tools that can help monitor your patients remotely, like connected pulse oximeters. 

How Connected Pulse Oximeters Work

Pulse oximeter devices allow for measuring of oxygen saturation, a critical vital sign indicating decompensation of COPD. These connected devices enable patients to capture physiologic data from a remote location such as their own home. When a patient takes a measurement, the information is instantly transmitted to a HIPAA-compliant secure server. After the data gets transmitted, it can then be analyzed by the patient's physician or other qualified healthcare practitioner (QHCP).

Providing RPM-enabled pulse oximetry devices transforms the paradigm of COPD. It empowers your patients to better understand their disease state. It also enables you to engage with patients when their data indicates they would benefit from extra support. In pulmonary rehabilitation programs which promote education, peer support, and physical activity, pulse oximeters provide the ideal objective complement to assess pulmonary status.

Clinical Studies Support COPD RPM

A feasibility study published by the NIH observed that pulmonary rehabilitation participants are willing and able to provide accurate data via a remote pulse oximetry system. After being trained to use the devices, participants were able to use them independently. 

Additionally, a pilot study published by the NIH noted that patients considered that the readings from the pulse oximeters heightened awareness of their condition. Healthcare professionals who participated in the study noted that pulse oximetry tools could help boost self-management and engagement. 

Learn More About RPM

Our easy-to-use system is designed to support improved clinical outcomes and to be highly profitable with low upfront financial risk for providers.  Simply request a demo to learn how Optimize Health can help you establish an RPM program.