Technology continues to reshape the way healthcare is delivered, and remote patient monitoring (RPM) has become one of the fastest-growing tools in patient care. By allowing clinicians to track and record patient health outside of traditional clinical environments, RPM offers opportunities to improve outcomes, enhance efficiency, and expand access to care.
For nurses, understanding RPM is increasingly important as it becomes more widely integrated across healthcare systems.
What is RPM, and when did it emerge?
RPM is known as the use of digital technologies to gather health data from patients in one location and electronically transmit it securely to a healthcare team in another. Devices may include wearable sensors, Bluetooth-enabled medical tools, and mobile apps that capture data such as blood pressure, glucose levels, heart rate, oxygen saturation, or weight.
RPM began to emerge in the early 2000s with home telehealth programs and basic device-to-clinic transmissions. However, its adoption accelerated in the 2010s due to advances in mobile technology, wireless connectivity, and electronic health record (EHR) integration. The COVID-19 pandemic further fueled RPM’s growth, as it became a vital way to monitor patients remotely while minimizing exposure risks.
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RPM is used across many areas of healthcare to track ongoing health conditions and detect changes early. It supports chronic disease management, post-surgical recovery, and preventive care.
Clinical uses
RPM is commonly used to manage chronic conditions, detect early warning signs, and support recovery. It is particularly helpful in monitoring diabetes through blood glucose levels, hypertension, and heart disease through blood pressure, heart rhythm, and weight tracking, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma by assessing oxygen saturation and respiratory function. It is also applied in post-surgical recovery to monitor wound healing, mobility, and pain, and in mental health or sleep disorders by using wearables to track sleep, activity, and mood patterns.
Environments of use
RPM can be applied across multiple settings. It is commonly used in hospitals and health systems, where patients may be discharged with RPM kits for follow-up care.
Primary care and specialty practices integrate RPM data into care management programs. In home health, RPM supports aging-in-place and helps reduce unnecessary readmissions. Long-term care facilities also use RPM to track resident health between in-person visits.
Leading software and platforms
A variety of software and platforms make RPM easier for both providers and patients. These tools streamline data collection, improve communication, and ensure secure sharing of health information.
Some widely used RPM solutions include:
- Philips RPM
- ResMed AirView
- Medtronic CareLink
- iRhythm Zio
- Vivify Health
- Epic Systems RPM integration
Each platform varies in focus. Some specialize in cardiac monitoring, while others offer broad chronic disease management.
What do nurses need to know about RPM?
Nurses are often at the frontline of RPM programs, and they must be able to review, validate, and act on incoming health data. They also play a critical role in educating patients to ensure that devices are used correctly and consistently.
Understanding how RPM data integrates into EHR systems and clinical alerts is another key responsibility, along with maintaining privacy and compliance in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Finally, nurses must apply critical thinking to determine whether alerts signal true clinical concerns or if they are the result of technical errors or misuse. As trusted educators and advocates, nurses play a pivotal role in helping patients understand the importance of consistent monitoring and adherence.
What Is the future of RPM?
The future of RPM is closely tied to the growth of telehealth and digital health technologies. Trends include:
- Expanded reimbursement: Medicare and private payers are increasingly covering RPM services.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) integration: Predictive analytics may identify risk patterns before symptoms worsen.
- Wearables and continuous monitoring: Consumer technology (such as smartwatches) will increasingly integrate with clinical systems.
- Broader adoption in population health: RPM may shift from a tool for high-risk patients to a standard part of preventive care.
How does RPM benefit nurses and patients?
RPM has numerous benefits for both patients and healthcare teams, helping bridge gaps in care and improve communication.
Benefits for patients
Patients benefit from RPM through early detection and intervention, as health issues can be identified before they progress into emergencies. It also provides improved access to care for those facing mobility, geographic, or transportation barriers, allowing them to receive ongoing support at home. Additionally, RPM empowers patients by making them active participants in monitoring and managing their own health.
Benefits for nurses and healthcare teams
For nurses and healthcare teams, RPM offers several advantages. It improves efficiency by reducing unnecessary hospital visits and readmissions, and it enhances decision-making by providing continuous data that offers a clearer picture of patient health over time. RPM also strengthens patient relationships, as nurses can maintain consistent touchpoints with patients between visits.
Challenges to consider
Despite its benefits, RPM does present challenges. Nurses may face data overload when reviewing large streams of incoming patient information. Some patients may encounter technology barriers, lacking access to or comfort with the devices required.
Equity issues can also arise, as rural, older adults, or underserved populations may face more obstacles in adopting RPM. While not a universal solution, RPM has demonstrated clear value when implemented thoughtfully, supported with adequate training, and integrated into broader care models.
