Remote Home Monitoring Program
Your gifts through the Centra Foundation to the Greatest Need Fund helped Centra launch a pilot program last year for remote home monitoring. The results? Proactive care, real-time health data, reduced trips to the emergency department, high marks for patient satisfaction – and the future of healthcare here and now for people in central Virginia. Derrick Farmer is grateful he was able to participate.
When Derrick Farmer was diagnosed with diabetes last spring, he was nervous about managing the condition and worried it would be fatal. Fortunately, Centra was in the process of launching a pilot program for remote home monitoring.
“I discovered that I was diabetic,” Derrick said. “And that kind of scared me. So I wanted to make sure I was doing everything right. I thought the program was a good idea.”
It turned out to be “a great thing. They would call me or send a text through the monitor if I missed something. They would let me know that my blood pressure was too high and to take my medicine. It was a really positive experience.”
The pilot was so successful that 100% of patients agreed or strongly agreed that the experience was positive.
The program launched in March with 15 patients. By December, there were over 120 referrals from across Centra’s service area.
More data, better care
Remote home monitoring provides real-time health data for follow-up and wraparound care. In addition to providing more support and improved outcomes, the programs aims to help patients avoid hospitalizations and reduce trips to the ED.
“This program emphasizes continuous support,” said Tab Sprouse, senior director, Transport Services and the Call Center. “It allows us to expand care beyond the hospital or clinic setting and meet patients where they are.”
The Centra Foundation supported the cloud-based monitoring platform, 100 devices and made it possible for patients to participate with no additional costs in the first year.
Derrick’s advice for others? “Don’t be scared. It can help you along the way.”
Transforming care for chronic conditions
The program provides a helpful service for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, pneumonia and hypertension.
The idea to redefine the patient experience in this way was conceived during the pandemic. Now, remote patient monitoring is part of Centra’s Modernization’s Plan.
“This work is transformational when you think about the independent living of an older community and an aging population that we will be serving for many, many years,” said Centra CEO Amy Carrier. “This innovative concept will help keep them healthier longer and enjoying the lives that they love, in their own home.”
Learn more about ways you can support vital programs and help transform care for people in our community.
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