The application of remote monitoring to improve health outcomes to a rural area.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of remote monitoring home telehealth on client and provider satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and cost. The project design was a pragmatic evaluation of the technology in a real-world setting at an operational scale rather than a controlled clinical trial. Patients receiving monitoring were selected by the home health agency, and a random sample of other agency clients was selected for comparative purposes. Data were collected on additional costs and benefits associated with home telehealth monitoring. Quantitative and qualitative data suggest that when remote monitoring telehealth technology was utilized in the home-care setting, both clients and providers were very satisfied with services; they felt it was easy to communicate, and that the technology was convenient and user friendly. Clients also felt that home telehealth technology had a very positive impact on the provider-client relationship and improved care. The study also suggests that home care monitoring reduces hospitalizations and decreases personnel expenses. This preliminary study provides evidence as to the value of remote monitoring home telehealth in the delivery of services to home care populations. It also provides evidence as to the positive impact that this form of technology may have on healthcare systems, provider and client satisfaction, and on the relationships that form between providers and clients.