Patients are supplied with equipment so they can take daily measurements of their own blood pressure, weight, pulse and the oxygen levels in their blood. They are also given a tablet device to answer a few questions about how they are feeling. A technician comes to the home to set everything up.
All this information is automatically transmitted to a data centre where it is monitored daily. If the data suggest a patient is having a problem, a specially trained nurse will call the home. The person’s family doctor may also be notified. With a bit of guidance from the nurse, it is hoped the patient can get back on track and avoid another trip to the hospital. Weekly telephone coaching sessions are also arranged with each patient.
“The goal of the program is to motivate and educate patients on how to look after themselves,” OTN’s CEO Dr. Ed Brown explains.
Full article: The Globe and Mail