Remote Patient Monitoring Program offers patient comfort and confidence at home

Retired nurse Carol Short has been battling congestive heart failure (CHF) with the support of IU Health's Remote Patient Monitoring Program. Initially, the unfamiliarity with new technology was daunting for Short, who didn't have internet at her home. However, embracing the program as a challenge, she began her journey, armed with a tablet and a desire to learn.

The Remote Patient Monitoring Program offered Short the chance to receive care for her CHF in the comfort of her own home. She was issued a tablet that would allow her 24/7 access to a highly skilled nursing team should she have questions or need urgent help. Despite initial hesitation, Short quickly found herself adapting to the new technology. She says, "It's easy to do. It is just like a gigantic smart phone. If you do your grocery shopping every two weeks [on your phone,] you can do this in a heartbeat.”

Over time, the Remote Patient Monitoring Program became more than just a piece of technology; it became her companion—a constant source of comfort, reminding her that she was not alone. The program provided Short with guidance and round-the-clock monitoring, all of which significantly reduced her emergency room visits. She was especially grateful for the educational resources she was provided, admitting that even former healthcare professionals can always learn more. She says, “At first, I didn’t really think I needed this program because I was a nurse. But boy was I wrong.”

Short's journey with IU Health's Remote Patient Monitoring Program not only transformed her approach to managing her CHF but also offered her a newfound sense of empowerment. She says, "I have more self-confidence now in managing my CHF as much as I possibly can before I need help. It means a lot to me.”

Since 2008, IU Health has supported patients with Remote Patient Monitoring. The program has shown to reduce readmissions and total cost of care for participants.