November 23, 2023

The Comprehensive Guide for Developing a Remote Patient Monitoring System (RPM)

The healthcare sector is currently experiencing a digital revolution, with the development of remote patient monitoring systems playing a prominent role in this transformative journey. The escalating shift towards telehealth is evident, with projections indicating that the market for this technology will reach $175.2 billion by 2027. In the United States alone, approximately 30 million patients are expected to utilize remote patient monitoring tools by 2024.

The demand for such software is justified, as it enables physicians to monitor patients without the necessity of in-person consultations. Consequently, patients benefit by reducing their expenses on in-hospital treatments.

If you have an interest in the development of remote patient monitoring apps, continue reading this blog post for valuable insights.

What is Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)?

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a healthcare delivery approach that utilizes technology to monitor patient health beyond the confines of a traditional clinical setting. RPM involves the use of specific technology to electronically transmit information between patients and physicians, constituting a subset within the broader field of telemedicine.

What are Remote Patient Monitoring Devices?

Devices for remote health monitoring, such as continuous glucose monitors for diabetes patients and digital blood pressure monitors, enable seamless sharing of health data with physicians. These devices empower patients to transmit information like blood pressure and blood oxygen levels to their healthcare providers.

According to Research and Markets, the global RPM systems market is anticipated to surpass $1.7 billion by 2027, reflecting a substantial growth of almost 128% from the current market opportunity.

How does a Remote Patient Monitoring System Operate?

In contrast to other telehealth methods, RPM services do not necessitate interactive audio-video engagements or virtual visits, and patients are not required to be in rural locations. These services rely on technology capable of collecting and interpreting physiologic data. Medicare provides reimbursement for RPM services on par with in-person clinical services, without additional specifications regarding usage or the origin of care. RPM systems hold significant potential for cost savings by preventing the development of more severe and expensive health outcomes.

Research and Markets project that the global RPM systems market will exceed $1.7 billion by 2027, marking an impressive growth of nearly 128% from the current $745.7 million market opportunity.

Key Advantages of Remote Patient Monitoring Apps for Patients and Healthcare Providers

If your goal is to develop a remote patient monitoring app, it's crucial to understand the significant benefits it offers. We have facilitated the utilization of patient monitoring software, benefiting patients, doctors, and hospitals alike.

Benefits for Patients

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solutions grant patients swift and convenient access to medical care. Treatment recommendations can be received without the need to leave their homes. Additionally, these medical monitoring applications enable early-stage disease diagnosis, leading not only to cost savings on treatment but also potentially saving lives.

RPM software contributes to heightened patient satisfaction, as individuals appreciate the continuous care they receive. Consequently, patients become more proactive in managing their health.

Benefits for Doctors and Clinics

The development of health monitoring applications is invaluable for medical professionals. Doctors and hospitals can significantly enhance their approaches to treating both acute and chronic diseases through RPM software, which provides real-time updates on a patient's health status.

RPM applications play a crucial role in reducing emergency risks, as timely data about patient symptoms and conditions are made available to doctors. For instance, RPM solutions can aid in predicting conditions like hypoglycemia.

Moreover, hospital app development focused on remote patient monitoring apps helps optimize clinical resources by decreasing the number of unnecessary hospitalizations.

Types of Remote Patient Monitoring Apps

Every mobile remote patient monitoring software shares a common objective: enhancing the interaction between patients and doctors. This facilitates timely medical assistance for the former and enables the latter to provide consultations online, resulting in a mutually beneficial scenario.

Before delving into the process of creating a remote patient monitoring app, it's essential to understand the main types of such software:

1. IoT Medical Apps

These applications gather patient health data from specialized medical devices, ranging from smartwatches to glucometers. All collected information is stored within the app, allowing doctors to access it at any time.

2. Questionnaire Apps

RPM applications of this type collect health data through a series of questions that patients answer. This approach often eliminates the need for an in-person doctor visit, as patients can provide relevant information online.

3. Video Conferencing Apps

Also referred to as telemedicine software, these applications facilitate direct online interaction between doctors and patients. The inclusion of video and audio conferencing features enables remote diagnosis and treatment.

4. Precision Medicine Solution

Designed primarily for research purposes rather than direct patient treatment, these apps gather data about the health of diverse individuals. The collected data can be utilized by doctors to enhance the medical field as a whole.

Considerations for Developing a Successful Remote Patient Monitoring App

If you're aspiring to create a successful remote patient monitoring app (RPM), here are essential strategies and practices for medical app development that you should carefully consider.

If you're aspiring to create a successful remote patient monitoring app (RPM), here are essential strategies and practices for medical app development that you should carefully consider.

1. Ensure User-Friendliness

Design your Remote Patient Monitoring app with simplicity and intuitiveness in mind. Recognize that users may span various age groups, and strive for inclusivity, accommodating individuals with hearing or vision impairments.

2. Prioritize Battery Optimization

Since RPM solutions constantly receive data from devices, energy consumption is a crucial consideration. Implement energy-efficient technologies like Bluetooth low-energy, limit background processes, and provide a dark theme option to optimize battery life for continuous monitoring.

3. Enable Offline Connection

Acknowledge the importance of continuous monitoring even in the absence of an internet connection or during low battery situations. Integrate a caching tool into your remote patient monitoring platform to secure constant data collection.

4. Integrate Geolocation

In emergencies, geolocation can be invaluable. Enabling this feature allows healthcare providers to promptly locate patients in critical conditions and provide timely assistance.

5. Ensure Security and Compliance

Given that RPM software deals with sensitive patient data, prioritize robust security measures. Ensure that your application complies with regulatory requirements for personal data protection during the development process.

6. Add Voice Search

Integrate a voice search function for added convenience and accessibility. This feature can be particularly beneficial for patients who may face challenges with typing.

7. Enable Analytics

Incorporate analytics functionality into your RPM app to gather and analyze data about patients' health, daily routines, and diets. This valuable information can significantly aid doctors in diagnosing and treating diseases effectively.

8. Develop Both Web and Mobile App Versions

Consider the preferences and practicalities of both patients and healthcare providers. While patients may prefer mobile apps, healthcare providers often find web versions more practical. Ensure equal opportunities for all parties by developing both mobile and web versions of your RPM software.

By carefully considering these factors, you can enhance the effectiveness and user satisfaction of your remote patient monitoring app, setting the stage for success in the competitive healthcare technology landscape.

Developing Remote Patient Monitoring Software

Developing a remote patient monitoring system necessitates a systematic approach to achieving the desired outcomes. Here is a step-by-step guide for constructing a comprehensive RPM system:

• Define Requirements: Outline specific needs and expectations of patients, healthcare professionals, and the organization. Identify the target conditions or populations and select appropriate monitoring devices and technology.
• Select Monitoring Devices and Technologies: Choose accurate, reliable, and user-friendly wearable and non-wearable monitoring devices. Select suitable connectivity technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Cellular) for seamless data transfer and device management.
• Design User Interface and User Experience: Develop a user-friendly interface for healthcare professionals and patients. Ensure intuitive navigation and clear, concise data visualization for easy understanding and action.
• Integrate with Existing Healthcare Systems: Integrate the RPM system with Electronic Health Records (EHR) and medical software using APIs or custom development. Enable seamless data sharing among different systems to avoid redundancies.
• Develop Secure Data Storage and Transmission Solutions: Create a secure, scalable data storage solution, such as cloud-based storage, complying with industry regulations. Implement secure data transmission mechanisms, including encryption and secure APIs.
• Implement Data Analytics and AI Tools: Integrate data analytics and AI tools, such as machine learning algorithms, for efficient interpretation of patient data. Provide actionable insights and predictive analytics to aid healthcare professionals in making informed decisions.
• Test and Validate the RPM System: Thoroughly test and validate functionality, reliability, and security before deployment. Then conduct user testing to assess experiences, identify areas for improvement, and ensure alignment with goals.

Integrating Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) with Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Medical Software

To seamlessly incorporate an RPM system into a healthcare organization, smooth integration with Electronic Health Records (EHR) and other medical software is imperative. This integration facilitates real-time access to patient data, empowering healthcare providers to make informed decisions and elevate the quality of care. Achieving RPM and EHR integration can be accomplished through several methods:

• Middleware Solutions

Middleware solutions act as intermediaries between disparate systems, acting as bridges for data transfer. Utilizing powerful middleware allows healthcare providers to synchronize RPM-generated data with EHRs and other medical software with minimal adjustments to existing systems.

• APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)

APIs enable easy communication and data exchange between different software applications. Integration through APIs ensures standardized data transfer, enhancing the interoperability of both the RPM system and EHR. This method requires collaboration with the EHR vendor to provide access to the necessary APIs for seamless functionality.

• Custom Application Development

Custom application development involves creating bespoke software compatible with the organization's existing EHR and medical software. While this approach may demand more time and resources, it offers personalized integration capabilities tailored to the specific needs of the healthcare organization.

Regardless of the chosen method, adhering to industry standards such as HL7 (Health Level 7), FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources), and DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is crucial to ensuring a seamless and secure exchange of patient data.

Evaluating and Choosing a Remote Patient Monitoring System Vendor

Selecting the right RPM vendor is paramount for a successful implementation. Consider the following factors when evaluating potential RPM vendors:

• Cost: Determine your budget and compare the costs of various RPM solutions, including setup, implementation, equipment, software, and ongoing maintenance or support charges.
• Scalability: Choose a vendor offering scalable solutions that can grow with your organization, accommodating additional patients, new monitoring devices, and emerging technologies.
• Integration
• Capabilities: Prioritize vendors with RPM solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing EHR and medical software, ideally through middleware or APIs.
• Data Privacy and Security: Select a vendor prioritizing data privacy and security, ensuring compliance with industry regulations like HIPAA. Look for encryption methods and secure data transmission.
• Customer Support: Effective customer support is crucial, especially during setup and integration. Choose a vendor providing comprehensive support for issue resolution, implementation guidance, and ongoing assistance.

When evaluating vendors, compare proposals, conduct thorough reviews, request demos, and consult trusted references to make an informed decision.

Our Experience

HospApp

Our client aimed to create an innovative mobile system facilitating seamless communication among hospital employees within patient-specific groups. This system supports individual interactions, file sharing, prescription management, and task assignments, all centered around a specific patient. Crucially, the patient's information is securely confined within the hospital, preventing unauthorized external access.

It boasts a user-friendly, messenger-like interface to make the application accessible and straightforward for individuals experienced with messaging apps, promoting ease of use among all staff members.

IsDocIn

The project aimed to develop a mobile application for a service assisting individuals in scheduling appointments with telemedicine software providers. Doctors were given the ability to establish profiles and receive notifications whenever an appointment was booked with them.

Contributions:

• Patient-Centric Mobile UI: Crafting an intuitive user interface for the mobile application, tailored to the needs and preferences of patients.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Meticulously designing versions of the application for both iOS and Android operating systems.
• Native Application Development: Building native mobile applications based on the design, ensuring seamless and optimized performance on each respective platform.

Conclusion

Stfalcon team are experts in providing healthcare app development services, drawing upon 14 years of expertise in the industry. Over this period, we have witnessed the emergence of numerous notable medical products, and now, we stand ready to develop one tailored to your needs.

Our dedicated team is capable of crafting a wide array of healthcare-related products, with a focus on delivering excellence. Whether it's appointment scheduling software, customized mHealth apps, or cutting-edge RPM platforms, we are well-equipped to bring your vision to life. Just contact us, and we will implement your idea into reality.