Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased focus on remote monitoring technology within the U.S. healthcare sector. Legislation such as the bipartisan Remote Patient Monitoring Access Act has been introduced to help hospitals use federal funds for remote monitoring devices, as the demand for those devices is projected to rise. Though the role of supply chain in sourcing and distributing these patient devices can vary depending on the organization, it does fall under supply chain’s purview in some cases, such as for patients included within a hospital’s health plan.
For such organizations, supply chain leaders should recognize the demand for remote monitoring devices and begin to think about its operational implications. Remote monitoring device vendors are consistently using social media channels to create awareness around their tools, and patients are also sharing feedback on their experiences. Analyzing patient sentiments about these devices through social media shows patients’ attitudes and concerns, which supply chain, clinical, and IT leaders can consider while developing robust strategies for remote patient monitoring that addresses patient needs.
For this infographic, HBI’s Supply Chain Academy collaborated with the HBI social intelligence team to collect and analyze data about what social media users are saying regarding their experiences with remote monitoring devices. In addition, this infographic offers recommendations for health systems, supply chain, and other healthcare leaders to implement an effective remote patient monitoring program, and address vendor and patient considerations that can improve overall healthcare delivery.
Patient Sentiment Toward Remote Monitoring Devices
Overall, the patient sentiment for remote monitoring devices was 13% positive and 87% negative in posts analyzed. However, when it comes to social media posting, negative experiences with medical devices are more likely to prompt patients to share their opinion as compared to positive encounters. In fact, according to Decision Resources Group’s MedTech Insights reports, the number of patient monitoring device units sold was forecasted at a 7.7% compound annual growth rate over the 10-year period from 2017 to 2027.
To improve patient sentiment toward remote monitoring devices, health systems should understand patient attitudes and develop strategies to enhance supply chain and logistics operations as well as patient engagement. It is pertinent for providers to collaborate with the right vendor for these devices and work with clinicians to ensure devices sent to patient homes offer accurate readings and support when readings might fluctuate or show inconsistency.
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About the Analyst
Vakhulaa Parthasarathy Senior Analyst, Supply Chain
Vakhulaa is a senior research analyst at HBI specializing in healthcare supply chain. With an education in biotechnology, she has done research on varied topics like inventory management, pricing strategies, value analysis, medical logistics, and healthcare technology innovation. Vakhulaa is keen on helping supply chain and C-suite leaders adopt best practices for improving supply chain operations.