Remote Patient Monitoring Specialists

Remote patient monitoring technology is used for a variety of applications, including chronic disease management, postoperative care, elder care, maternal and fetal monitoring, medication management, and remote therapy and rehabilitation.

The job duties for RPM specialists vary by their educational backgrounds and training. Those with healthcare training play a direct role in patient care, while those who have technology backgrounds focus more on data analytics, tech support, and cybersecurity.

Patient assessment, enrollment, device setup, and training: Specialists receive a list of patients who might benefit from RPM technology. They review their medical information and talk with them to determine whether they are good candidates for RPM technology. If so, they educate patients about the benefits of using the technology and enroll them in RPM programs. Specialists arrange for the delivery and proper installation of the appropriate RPM technology (for example, an electrocardiogram system for a patient with heart disease). Then they provide training to patients and caregivers regarding its proper use, how to analyze and send data (if the data transmission is not automatic), and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Monitor and analyze data: Specialists evaluate data to monitor the daily health of patients. If they encounter abnormal data, they inform physicians, who may ask the specialist to collect additional health data or order the patient to make an in-person medical appointment for further evaluation. In a worst-case scenario (e.g., the potential that the patient has had a heart attack or stroke), the physician will advise the patient (or their caregivers) to call 911 or go to their local emergency room.

Tackle other tasks: Specialists keep detailed records regarding patient interactions and outcomes using electronic health record systems and other tools. They regularly evaluate the effectiveness of RPM systems, as well as their interactions with patients, to identify areas for improvement. Specialists with a background in information technology help select, setup, and maintain RPM technologies, and some may be tasked with ensuring that patient data is protected from cybercriminals and other bad actors.