The Experts Agree: Remote Monitoring Improves Healthcare

by Rebecca N. Revell, RN, BSN, CCDS, PaceMate™ Director of Communication Services, and Robin Leahy, MSPH, BSN, RN, FHRS, CCDS, PaceMate™ Vice President of Customer Experience

Based on scientific studies, doctors and healthcare experts recommend that patients with implanted cardiac devices participate in remote home monitoring. Patients are encouraged to discuss the benefits of remote home monitoring with their doctors. This article reviews scientific recommendations for home monitoring in order to give patients and their caregivers additional understanding about the benefits of this digital healthcare option.

HRS Statement

In 2015, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) released an expert statement highlighting the benefits of remote monitoring for patients with implanted cardiac devices. (The HRS statement was reaffirmed in October 2020.)

This statement reviewed 21 scientific studies performed by experts, doctors, and scientists from around the world. It describes remote monitoring, in addition to routine in-clinic visits, as the “gold standard” for patient care.

HRS experts recommend home monitoring for its many benefits:

• • Reduces hospitalizations by almost 50%
• Reduces emergency room and urgent visits by 35%
• Reduces total healthcare visits by 21%
• Reduces in-clinic visit frequency
• Reduces time to detection of abnormal heart rhythm events
• Reduces inappropriate shocks from defibrillators

Patient Satisfaction and Other Benefits

In addition to these clinical benefits of home monitoring, patients also report increased satisfaction when this device monitoring method is utilized. Patients enjoy a stronger connection with their doctor through remote monitoring, which sends information and alerts about their heart and device function.

Remote monitoring also reduces the cost and time necessary for in-clinic visits and hospital stays. Some studies also show higher patient engagement and compliance with follow-up care.

Staying Connected

To take advantage of the benefits of remote monitoring, patients with implanted cardiac devices share responsibility for their device care. The home monitor should stay always plugged in at your bedside or as directed by the manufacturer. Review the process of home monitoring with your device clinic so that you know how to respond in an emergency or if you receive shocks.

Also, remember that your home monitor does not send information “in real-time” or as events occur, and it should never take the place of seeking emergency medical care. You should contact your doctor if you experience any new, worsening, or concerning symptoms. Keep your doctor and PaceMate™ informed of any updated contact information or extended travel plans. Communicating in these ways will help your care team ensure a seamless experience between you and your home monitor.

Assistance from PaceMate™

If your doctor has prescribed remote monitoring for you or your family member, PaceMate™ is here to help you stay engaged with your cardiac device care team. At PaceMate™, our highly trained and compassionate team of Patient Communication Specialists are available to assist you with monitor pairing, education, and notification.

For monitor support, our team of dedicated Patient Communication Specialists are available Monday through Friday 8AM-7PM EST. Any questions regarding your home monitor equipment can be addressed by calling 66-PACEMATE, option 1.