Australia's health service is evolving at a rapid pace and Australians are accepting the use of innovative technology to access high quality health care without the wasteful delay of unnecessary hospital visits. Whether it's elderly patients living with chronic conditions or busy professionals keeping an eye on their health at home, smart medical technology has become a necessity in healthcare.
VitalLeads offers hospitals, aged care facilities, clinics, and home health care providers in Australia with the latest monitoring solutions, which can enhance patient safety and lower avoidable hospital admissions.
Why Are Hospital Visits Increasing?
Hospital visits are on the rise for several reasons. As hospitals continue to face increased demand they can be attributed to the following:
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Aging populations
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Chronic illnesses
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Limited healthcare resources
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Emergency department overcrowding
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Rising healthcare costs
A significant number of hospital visits are just because patients are not monitored at home.
For example:
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Sudden rise in blood pressure.
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The amount of oxygen gradually decreases.
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Heart rate becomes irregular.
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Unexpected increase in body temperature.
These changes frequently go unnoticed until they turn into emergencies, unless they are monitored on an ongoing basis.
It is here that smart healthcare devices come into the picture.
What Are Smart Health Devices?
Smart health devices are digital health technologies that continuously gather, record and communicate health information.
Examples include:
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Blood pressure monitors that are also smart.
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Pulse oximeters
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ECG monitors
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Digital thermometers
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Smart weight scales
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Blood glucose monitors
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Wearable health trackers
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Multi-parameter patient monitors
These medical devices at home will automatically relay patient data to the caregiver or healthcare provider, so that corrective measures can be taken immediately if needed.
The Role of Remote Monitoring Devices
The development of remote monitoring devices has been one of the greatest healthcare developments.
Rather than frequent hospital visits, patients can have their health monitored daily, right at home.
These devices are used to measure important health indicators including:
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Blood pressure
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Oxygen saturation
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Heart rate
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Respiratory rate
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Temperature
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Blood glucose
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ECG readings
The gathered data is securely transmitted to healthcare providers, leading to quicker decisions and fewer hospital trips.
How a Healthcare Monitoring System Prevents Hospital Admissions?
A modern healthcare monitoring system integrates smart medical devices, cloud technology and healthcare software into a unified system.
This system enables healthcare providers to:
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Monitor patients remotely
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Receive instant alerts
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Identify early signs of illness
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Immediately modify the treatment plan.Rapidly change the treatment plan.
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Make follow-up appointments ahead of emergencies
Healthcare providers can prevent medical emergencies, rather than just react to them.
This can substantially minimise the need for emergency room visits and enhance patient care.
Benefits of Smart Health Devices
1. Early Detection of Health Problems
The best part of smart monitoring technology is that it can spot medical problems before they start to be detrimental.
For example:
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A patient's oxygen level gradually decreases over several days.
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They may only seek medical attention if they are struggling to breathe, without monitoring.
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Smart monitoring can alert healthcare providers early, and immediately offer treatment suggestions.
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Hospitalization can be avoided if the intervention is made early.
2. Better Management of Chronic Diseases
Chronic conditions are conditions that last a lifetime that affect millions of Australians, including:
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Diabetes
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Hypertension
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Heart disease
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COPD
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Asthma
Consistent monitoring is important when dealing with these conditions.
Patients can use health monitoring devices at home for regular monitoring of their vital signs, and healthcare professionals can monitor progress remotely.
This helps:
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Reduce complications
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Improve treatment compliance
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Pinpoint signs of warning earlier.
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Minimize emergency admissions
3. Improved Care for Elderly Patients
The technology of smart healthcare is one of the most significant advantages for older people. Most seniors would rather not go into a hospital, or residential home, but remain in their own homes. Smart monitoring devices offer peace-of-mind by enabling the caregiver to keep an eye on:
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Blood pressure
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Heart rate
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Oxygen saturation
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Body temperature
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Daily activity
The family members, health care professionals are alerted to readings outside safe ranges. This will enhance safety and maintain independence.
Supporting Home-Based Healthcare
The home health care sector has grown in popularity throughout Australia. Patients who have recently undergone surgery, are ailing with chronic diseases or are receiving aged care can now receive hospital level monitoring at home. Healthcare workers can review patient data at a distance, without having to make frequent trips to the clinic, using medical devices at home. This will help make the recovery process more comfortable and decrease the healthcare costs.
Reduced Pressure on Hospitals
Unnecessary hospital visits add strain to the Australian health system.
Smart monitoring technology aids by:
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Preventing avoidable admissions
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Aim to minimize ED attendance.
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Shortening hospital stays
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Improving discharge planning
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Making available virtual healthcare programs
Healthcare providers can use their time more effectively on patients who need urgent medical care.
Better Patient Engagement
Having access to a patient's health 24/7 makes patients more active in their own care.
Smart devices promote healthier lifestyle choices, letting users:
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Track progress
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Follow treatment plans
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Monitor improvements
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Share reports of any potential hazards with the doctor.
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Stay motivated
With increased engagement, good long term health outcomes are more likely.
Real-Time Alerts Save Lives
Whereas conventional health checks happen every couple of months, smart checking operates on a continuous basis. Healthcare providers are alerted immediately if the readings are abnormal.
Examples include: