The Significance of Data Privacy in Remote Patient Monitoring
Your health is your business, or at least it should be. While the expansion of remote patient monitoring devices and services enables many patients to access the care they need, it also raises privacy concerns. Like any other form of technology, home health monitoring devices are susceptible to external threats.
Healthcare providers have the unique responsibility of safeguarding patients’ health information as it spreads through various channels. Fortunately, it is possible to keep patient and your own data secure.
What is Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)?
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is a type of telehealth that allows providers to manage and monitor their patients’ conditions. Since providers can assess patient progress and needs from afar, they can limit the need for in-person visits and hospitalizations. RPM also makes it possible to detect emerging problems before they become serious.
In most cases, RPM relies on wearable health monitoring devices to collect, track, and analyze patient data. Some common examples of RPM in action include:
- Pulse oximeters
- Blood pressure monitors
- Blood glucose meters
- Smart scales
- Thermometers
Why Privacy is of the Utmost Importance in RPM
Home health monitoring devices are wonderful pieces of technology. But with great power comes great responsibility – in this case, that means taking steps to protect patient health data. Privacy is integral not just to RPM’s success but also to your relationship with your patients.
Protecting Sensitive Information
RPM handles sensitive health information that could prove consequential for the person in question should it be leaked. Private medical and personal details should never fall into outside hands.
Avoiding Legal Consequences
If a data breach occurs, facilities and providers are held accountable, potentially facing legal penalties and costly fines. Moreover, legal trouble does not bode well for a facility’s reputation within the medical community.
Earning Patient Trust
In your relationship with patients, trust is arguably the most crucial element. Health is invaluable, and inviting others to monitor it entails a level of vulnerability. To keep patients engaged in treatment and provide proper care for their needs, it’s vital to ensure they know they’re in good hands.
Can Hackers Access My Patients’ Data Through RPM?
Since privacy is crucial, what can providers do to protect it? First, it’s important to recognize that there may always be some level of risk associated with RPM. Health monitoring devices can’t be completely immune to hackers. However, you can make a significant difference by ensuring your patients know how to use their RPM technology safely.What this looks like depends on the device(s). In general, though, it includes operating the technology properly, understanding what the device should and shouldn’t do, and what problems to look out for.
Discuss privacy concerns for devices or treatments that may be particularly vulnerable. Arm your patients with the knowledge they need to join the cause.
The specifics depend on the device(s) in use. In general, it involves operating the technology correctly, understanding the device’s proper functions, as well as what it should not do, and being aware of potential issues.
Discuss privacy concerns for devices or treatments that might be particularly vulnerable, and equip your patients with the knowledge they need to participate effectively.
Count on CoachCare for Secure Remote Patient Monitoring
Another simple way to protect yourself and your patients is by trusting only reputable RPM device, software, and service providers.
CoachCare is here to make fulfilling your patient monitoring needs a reality. Our remote patient monitoring devices can be integrated with our remote health monitoring software and platform, which allows you and your patients to easily view information. You can count on us to manage your RPM needs without leaving anything to chance.
We understand how crucial it is to put privacy first. Years of experience helping providers deliver top care help us stay ahead of the game. Experience the CoachCare Advantage yourself today.