This is where "remote patient monitoring" (RPM) technology could be beneficial. Typically costing thousands of dollars, RPM essentially performs similar functions to what fitness devices like FitBit can offer. If RPM can promote wellness at a high cost, more affordable fitness devices could provide significant support for caregivers.

The Global Advances in Health and Medicine echoes this sentiment. In a May 21, 2021, article published on ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, "Physician Monitoring of FitBit Use for Patient Health," it’s evident that physicians see the potential in using activity trackers to shift toward personalized medicine.

Companies like Apple, Garmin, and FitBit have started offering family accounts, making it easier to track a loved one's health. Here’s how caregivers can set up their patient monitoring systems:
 

• Start with an Activity Tracker: Choose a reliable fitness tracker like a FitBit, Apple Watch, or Garmin, which monitors heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels. These metrics can provide a baseline understanding of the patient’s general health.
   

• Add a Bluetooth Thermometer: Devices like the Kinsa QuickCare can connect to your smartphone, offering real-time temperature readings and historical data, which are crucial for detecting fevers—an important indicator in cancer patients.
   

• Blood Pressure Monitor: Utilize a Bluetooth blood pressure monitor like the QardioArm. Consistent readings can help you recognize patterns and anomalies that might require medical attention.
   

• Smart Scale: Some scales, like those from Withings, measure not only weight but also body composition. Weight management is crucial during cancer treatment, as unintended weight loss can be a red flag.
   

• Combine Data on One Platform: Use apps like Apple Health or Google Fit to consolidate all the data from these devices. They offer user-friendly interfaces and allow you to share data with healthcare providers.
   

• Maintain a Database: Keeping detailed records—date, time, and specific notes throughout the observation period—is crucial.

 

Many overlook the importance of this, but these records help provide a comprehensive view of the patient's condition over time. For example, document incidents such as when your loved one felt very sick to his stomach and didn’t feel like eating. You can also rank pain and discomfort on a scale of 1 (none) to 10 (very high) just like they do in a hospital. While most fitness apps may not support note-taking, consider integrating a dedicated note-taking app like Evernote or OneNote alongside your health data.

 

Finally, just as you prepare a first aid kit, set up this monitoring system before an actual emergency occurs. Be proactive, not reactive, in ensuring your loved one’s well-being.

Even though your healthcare team can't log into your accounts, you can use the information the database contains to clearly convay information through disucssion or printed reports. Thus equipped, caregivers can make more informed decisions, catch potential issues early, and ultimately provide better care for their loved ones.

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Upcoming blogs . . .

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Next week, we will explore how AI and chat assistants can assist caregivers in interpreting fitness device reports for individuals with health issues.

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I post every Sunday. Feel free to contact me with questions at Karen@Littleviews.com.

​By Karen Little, August 11, 2024​​​