IPAC manager Ange Hermans and Complex Care co-ordinator Rachael Watson.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Echuca Regional Health is helping Campaspe residents manage chronic health conditions from home through its remote patient monitoring program.
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The program provides patients with monitoring devices such as blood pressure monitors, scales, thermometers and oxygen monitors, which record vital health data.
Daily readings are automatically sent to healthcare staff, who can identify potential problems before they become major emergencies.
Complex Care nurse Rachael Watson said the technology allowed staff to respond to changes in a patient’s condition quicker.
“We help patients manage their independence and stay well out of the hospital to try and prevent hospital admissions,” she said.
“We can monitor their weight, their blood pressure, their oxygen levels, their temperature, and we can respond really quickly to early signs of infection.”
The benefits are particularly significant in regional areas, where distance and access to healthcare can be especially challenging.
Many program participants live in small rural communities, some more than an hour from the nearest hospital, but are still able to receive daily support through the program.
Infection prevention and control manager Ange Hermans said the program had been life-changing for participants.
“A lot of the people we put on these programs live in little outlying communities. Provided they’ve got the device, they get access to support nursing staff contact daily,” Ms Hermans said.
“It's been life-changing for them ... because this (program) doesn’t disrupt their lifestyle.”
James Dempster is one of many patients taking part in the remote patient monitoring program.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Rochester resident James Dempster is among the patients who have experienced the benefits firsthand after suffering multiple heart attacks and spending time in hospitals across Victoria and NSW
As he lives in Rochester and is unable to drive due to his medications and condition, getting to the hospital for appointments is a major barrier to accessing health services.
Since joining the remote patient monitoring program about three months ago, he is now able to receive personalised care without needing to travel.
Mr Dempster said the program had made it significantly easier to manage his condition.
“I’d rather be sitting (at home) than sitting in hospital,” he said.
“Otherwise I’d be going backwards and forwards to the hospital or I’d be in hospital, staying there for two or three days to manage it.”
For clinicians and patients alike, the technology is proving that a simple daily check-in from home can help keep people connected to care, no matter where they live.
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