Studies

Impact of remote patient monitoring on clinical outcomes: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Partners/ AuthorsBenjamin Noah, Michelle S. Keller, Sasan Mosadeghi, Libby Stein, Sunny Johl, Sean Delshad, Vartan C. Tashjian, Daniel Lew, James T. Kwan, Alma Jusufagic & Brennan M. R. Spiegel
Start & end date2018
FocusOur aim was to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assess the effects of using wearable biosensors (e.g. activity trackers) for remote patient monitoring on clinical outcomes. We expanded upon prior reviews by assessing effectiveness across indications and presenting quantitative summary data.
OutcomeEven so, the costs savings were $2931 per person, suggesting that a study with more power could potentially see significant cost and utilization savings. Based on our systematic review and examination of high-quality studies on RPM, we found that remote patient monitoring showed early promise in improving outcomes for patients with select conditions, including obstructive pulmonary disease, Parkinson’s disease, hypertension, and low back pain. Interventions aimed at increasing physical activity and weight loss using various activity trackers showed mixed results: cash incentives and automated text messages were ineffective, whereas interventions based on validated health behavior models, care pathways, and tailored coaching were the most successful. However, even within these interventions, certain populations appeared to benefit more from RPM than others. For example, only adults over 55 years of age saw benefits from RPM in one hypertension study. Future studies should be powered to analyze sub-populations to better understand when and for whom RPM is most effective.
Websitehttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-017-0002-4