Health monitoring
Key considerations for implementation As beneficial as new technologies in remote healthcare are, there are some considerations that, while easy to overcome, cannot be ignored. These include processes like training and support for caregivers on the use of advanced equipment and technology, protecting residents’ privacy and their personal data, and allocating appropriate resources in budgets across care systems. Given appropriate review, these
considerations are not prohibitive. In fact, keeping them in mind in the planning stage for implementing new technology is advantageous and can be a preventative measure against unexpected issues.
Training and support for staff members Staff members in care homes often face challenges around access to the appropriate resources. When implementing new technologies, it is vital that the burden of education on new devices and systems does not fall on the caregivers. Education and training must be provided to staff to ensure seamless integration and proper use. Ongoing support is also necessary. As with any technology, there can be unique issues that fall outside the scope of a care home staff member. With the right support, staff members can be empowered to use and even troubleshoot advanced devices.
Privacy and data security measures Protecting residents’ private personal information (PPI) is of the utmost importance. Any technology that deals with data carries potential risks of being breached, so facilities must take measures to prevent the leakage of any protected data. This can take many forms, including:
Wearable health trackers provide monitoring abilities with little effort
n Not recording telemedicine video or voice visits.
n Ensuring residents are alone during telemedicine visits or only in the presence of authorized companions.
n Utilising secure patient portals for messaging and data transfers. n Ensuring Wi-Fi is protected.
Facilities maintain the responsibility of protecting PPI, including details that can identify a resident, like their name, date of birth, or address. Other data that must be protected includes diagnostic information, patient care notes, and any confidential information shared by the resident.
Cost and budget considerations The initial cost of implementing new technologies for remote monitoring in care home settings can vary greatly. Because of variations in the equipment needed, services used, and location, it is difficult to estimate a rough cost for such a transition. However, experts agree that cost should not be the main motivator in implementing these technologies. Overall, the majority of savings will likely
be passed on to the resident, which supports the primary goals of accessibility and equity in healthcare. This should be considered a significant benefit. Facilities should be sure to include the cost of training and ongoing support in the budget in addition to the initial costs of equipment and operating systems.
Conclusion
Care homes globally have the potential to see great improvements in patient outcomes and care, early detection of healthcare issues among residents, staff efficiency, and accessibility of specialty healthcare for vulnerable populations. The benefits of using innovative technologies for patient care far outweigh the challenges and should be the main focus of facilities considering making the change. Implementing new technologies in remote healthcare monitoring comes with challenges, such as upfront and ongoing costs to the facility, potential for technological issues, and the misuse of devices leading to reporting concerns. These challenges should not be viewed as insurmountable but should be taken into consideration to avoid unexpected obstacles.
So long as staff members are given the appropriate resources and training, privacy and data security are prioritized, and budgetary concerns are overcome, there is no reason that care homes should not experience excellent results from the use of new technologies for remote monitoring. n
Steven John Cumper
Steven John Cumper founded Medshop while studying at RMIT University in Australia, expanding its reach to markets in Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Malaysia. In September 2021, the Bunzl Group acquired a majority stake in Medshop, but Cumper remains involved as the managing director (Medshop Group). His journey from Zimbabwe to the UK and Australia reflects his dedication to academia and entrepreneurship, combining diverse knowledge and experience.
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com January 2025
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