Home Telemonitoring
Telehealth monitoring is a system developed by HomMed that gives Iowa Health Home Care the ability to care for chronically ill patients, as well as assist physicians in their care management. The device - the first of its kind in Des Moines - collects patient's vital signs daily and transmits them to a central monitoring system located at Iowa Health Home Care. A registered nurse then reviews the data and provides early intervention, if necessary. Patients get a daily "check up" in the comfort of their own home.
The technology works as follows. A monitor, placed inside the patient's home, prompts them to take their vital signs at specific time(s) each day. In just three minutes, it collects heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, weight and temperature. Additional data, such as glucose count, lung function, blood-clotting times and heart rhythms can also be obtained for specialized patients.
The system then asks a series of subjective questions - through a pre-recorded voice - to further assess the patient for signs and symptoms of deterioration. The patient responds to each question by pressing a "yes" or "no" button on the monitor. Once completed, the data is transmitted via digital wireless technology or traditional phone lines to Iowa Health Home Care for review. If vital signs are outside the pre-established ranges set by the physician or nurse, the registered nurse contacts the patient and/or their physician to provide any necessary follow-up care.
The telehealth technology is designed to help physicians and home healthcare providers better manage the care of patients with chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
For more information about the HomMed Telemonitoring System, please contact Iowa Health Home Care at (515) 557-3100 or request information using our online form.