Overview
Remote Patient Monitoring, or RPM, is a technology-driven way to collect health data from individuals outside of clinical settings. RPM devices record metrics such as blood pressure, glucose levels, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and weight. This information is sent to care teams for review, helping providers identify health concerns early and take action before problems escalate.
For community based care programs such as IDD and HCBS, RPM offers a practical way to improve health oversight while supporting independence and dignity. RPM helps agencies stay connected to the individuals they serve without requiring frequent in-person visits.
What Remote Patient Monitoring is
RPM is the use of connected health devices to collect and transmit health information from individuals to care teams. It is designed to support ongoing monitoring rather than one time measurements.
In many cases, RPM is used to monitor chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, but it can also support wellness and preventive care. RPM is especially valuable in community-based care because it extends visibility into daily health patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
How RPM works
RPM relies on devices that capture health data and transmit it to a secure platform for review. Individuals use equipment such as blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, glucose meters, and digital scales.
The data is sent via cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth to a cloud portal. Care teams then review the information through dashboards or integrated software and follow up when readings fall outside expected ranges.
This process supports proactive care and allows staff to respond before health issues become severe.
Why RPM matters
RPM provides value in community based care because it supports continuous health monitoring without disrupting daily routines. It helps identify changes in health trends early, which can prevent hospitalizations and reduce emergency care.
RPM also improves access to care for individuals who face transportation barriers or mobility challenges. Additionally, RPM supports better care coordination by allowing data to be shared with care teams, families, and clinicians.
This supports coordinated decision making and consistent care planning. Finally, RPM can promote greater independence for individuals by allowing them to stay in their homes and communities while still receiving consistent health monitoring and support.
RPM in IDD and HCBS
RPM can be integrated into existing IDD and HCBS workflows in practical ways. It can support medication management by monitoring vitals and tracking trends that indicate the need for medication adjustments.
RPM can also provide useful information for behavioral and wellness support, helping staff identify when underlying health issues may be influencing behavior. In transitions after hospitalization or a medical procedure, RPM can support safer recovery by allowing care teams to monitor progress remotely.
RPM also supports staff by reducing the burden of frequent in-person monitoring and providing data to guide care decisions and improve documentation accuracy.
Implementing RPM
To successfully implement RPM in a community-based setting, agencies should begin with clear goals. Common goals include reducing hospital visits, improving chronic condition management, or enhancing caregiver support.
Agencies should select devices that are easy to use and durable, and provide training and support to improve adoption and accuracy. Privacy and security must be prioritized, ensuring that data transmission and storage comply with regulations and standards.
Agencies should also establish clear response protocols so staff know how to respond to alerts and what steps to take when readings indicate concern. Finally, RPM should be integrated with existing systems to prevent fragmented workflows and improve coordination, and agencies should measure outcomes to refine their approach over time.
About Giv
At Giv, we support community based care teams with tools that simplify documentation, improve communication, and strengthen care coordination. Our platform helps agencies streamline workflows, reduce administrative burden, and improve outcomes for the people they serve. To learn more explore Giv here.
