Telemedicine expected to increase care availability and decrease hospitalizations

Researchers from Baxter International Inc. recently published a study in PLOS ONE that shows remote monitoring technology (telemedicine) for health conditions can be beneficial to patients.

The study is based on telemedicine systems currently used in Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy. The research focused on a variety of chronic health conditions, including end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

The research found that the telemedicines may be able to improve the confidence and therapy adherence of renal patients. It also improved patient management and costs.

The new approach is called the AMIA Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) system. The SHARESOURCE platform allows two-way remote connectivity between patients in the U.S. and in Europe. This helps patients receive more timely therapies from health care professionals, as they can use treatment data while the patient remains at home.

“Increasing health care costs and a growing number of chronically ill patients are driving the need for more affordable and innovative options, like remote monitoring that may support better delivery of home health care,” Giuseppe Accogli, the president of Renal at Baxter, said. “Baxter conducted this study to better understand the perceived multi-faceted value of remote monitoring, and the continued need for supportive funding and policies that may enable more patients to have access to the new technology.”