Winston Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health announced plans to pilot a remote patient monitoring program that allows bariatric patients to receive ongoing or follow-up care related to their procedure or condition from their home.
Novant Health partnered with a remote patient monitoring system, Health Recovery Solutions, to create a program that monitors bariatric patients using a tablet and Bluetooth biometric monitoring devices, according to a May 12 press release. The Bluetooth devices will allow patients to record their vital signs, symptoms, engage in educational content and track medication.
Novant Health clinicians will then use the technology to monitor patients daily, responding to risk alerts based on patients' reported vitals and symptoms.
Nurses can also contact patients directly through the tablet via text messaging, phone call or virtual visit.
"At Novant Health Bariatric Solutions, our focus is to improve outcomes and prevent complications by tailoring treatment to each patient's unique needs, whether it be caring for patients after bariatric surgery or offering chronic disease management, such as long-term weight loss and weight loss maintenance," said David Voellinger, MD, medical director at Novant Health Bariatric Center. "This degree of monitoring and patient involvement allows for an unprecedented level of care and has the ability to greatly improve patient engagement, education, support and overall outcomes."
The initial pilot program will launch with a focus on bariatric patients with aims to expand to other patient populations.