How portable devices change the way we monitor cancer treatment

Remote monitoring of patients (RPM) modifies how health care providers support patients outside the hospital. Monitoring irregular heartbeat and symptoms of follow -up to the prevention of readmissions and the management of the side effects of chemotherapy, the portable devices allow suppliers to look closely at patients who could otherwise risk sudden complications.

For example, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or T cell therapy because they face potential serious side effects, such as infections or inflammation, which appear without warning. With a diet, providers can take early signs of problems – such as an irregular fever or heart rate – before degenerating, potentially preventing a hospital stay and providing patients with peace of mind when they recover at home.

This ability to closely monitor patients redefines the norm of care, especially for those who managed complex health problems. RPM technology provides timely information that allows health teams to intervene early, improve patient results and reduce the burden of hospital resources. As the RPM becomes more integrated into patient care, it opens up new possibilities to better manage a range of conditions and keep patients more safe and more comfortable at home.

Use of the diet to detect neutropenic fever early

Each year, approximately one in 29 out of 29 is hospitalized due to neutropenic fever – a current and serious complication which represents more than 8% of all hospitalization costs linked to cancer. Hospital stays for neutropenic fever on average 9.6 days for adults, costing about $ 24,770 per stay, while pediatric stays on average 8.5 days, at around $ 26,000.

Traditionally, patients have monitored neutropenic fever by periodically checking their temperature and reporting symptoms. This method, however, has limits: patients may not report their symptoms in a coherent manner, and occasional verifications can delay detection of problems sensitive to time.

RPM devices offer significant improvement in traditional surveillance. With Bluetooth compatible medical laptops, patients can simply wear the device and their vital signs are continuously transmitted to secure remote servers. This real -time data flow gives suppliers an early overview of changes in the condition of a patient – allowing them to detect the start of neutropenic fever and intervene before complications degenerate.

Neutropenic fever can suddenly develop without obvious symptoms, especially while a patient was sleeping. Non -detected and neutropenic fever can quickly cause sepsis – potentially fatal infection. For patients with a weakened immune system or undergoing chemotherapy, continuous monitoring is an essential tool for catching potential problems early. The devices offer a more reliable way to identify problems as they arise. By collecting data more frequently than occasional temperature controls, providers acquire a better understanding of the health of a patient, allowing more precise and timely treatment.

A new approach to monitor and manage patient care

The impact of the RPM becomes more and more clearly on how health care providers manage patient care. A recent survey has revealed that more than 80% now use technology – a significant increase of only 20% in 2021. The survey also revealed that more than 32% of health care providers use a diet for post -chemotherapy follow -up, while more than half in the event of rehospitalization.

In a current study, 80 patients with cancer undergoing ambulatory chemotherapy use a diet to monitor neutropenic fever. During the first three months of treatment, the study participants bear a monitor at continuous temperature – a portable clinical quality thermometer which automatically checks the body temperature every 10 minutes.

The study focuses on patients with breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and non -Hodgkinian lymphoma, all of which receive various chemotherapy treatments. When the sensors detect a fever, they immediately send alerts in real time to the patient and their oncologist.

The results of the study could have a significant impact on how chemotherapy patients are monitored for neutropenic fever in the future. As the use of this technology develops, it could become a standard part of ambulatory chemotherapy care – leading to faster and less hospitalization interventions.

Early detection of symptoms in CRS management

Continuous monitoring has also proven to be invaluable to approach the CRS. This condition arises as an immune response to treatments such as immunotherapy or the treatment of T cells because, causing the release of excessive cytokines in the bloodstream. The rapid increase in cytokines can trigger serious symptoms, such as fever, high blood pressure and organs, which can become deadly if not treated quickly.

With continuous monitoring, however, health care providers can closely observe vital signs and real -time cytokine levels. Early CRS detection allows medical teams to take rapid measures, in particular by administering immunosuppressive therapies, to mitigate effects and prevent complications.

In a recent study, patients undergoing treatment with T cells because for a multiple relapse myeloma carried portable devices from the moment of their infusion until the exit. The study explored if these devices could help detect the CRS after vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, respiratory frequency and oxygen levels. The first results suggest that portable devices are effective in monitoring the CRS immediately after treatment, which potentially allows previous detection and intervention.

Unlock a complete approach to improve health care

The progress made with continuous surveillance have already transformed the way in which we manage conditions such as neutropenic fever and the CRS. However, the potential of RPM goes beyond these applications, and simply scraping the surface of what is possible.

While health care providers continue to invest in this technology, the emphasis will be put in the search for solutions that can discuss several conditions. This reduces the need for separate systems for each disease, improves workflows, optimizes resources and improves efficiency at all levels.

Take advantage of real -time data and continuous monitoring of equipment suppliers with the tools they need to provide more proactive and patient care. As technology is more integrated into care plans, it has the potential to reshape health care and improve patient results and experiences.

Photo: Exdez, Getty Images

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