Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is a powerful tool that can revolutionize patient care, providing support and motivation outside the clinic. As healthcare continues to evolve, it has become evident that successful implementation of RTM can build the foundation to support improved patient experience, better outcomes, and an opportunity for increased practice revenue. In this article, we'll explore seven best practices for implementing RTM successfully.
One of the first cornerstones of implementing RTM is to understand your "why." Why would patients and providers benefit from RTM? Why does this service exist? To address these questions, consider the patient's perspective. Patients often struggle to remember instructions between visits, leading to low success rates for home exercise programs. Research shows that patients with support between visits are 94% more likely to succeed with their home exercises. Understanding the value from the patient's perspective is crucial in making RTM a success.
RTM involves two main components: a digital experience (usually an app) and asynchronous support for patient care. Decide whether your organization will provide its own care navigation or partner with an RTM service provider. It's essential to be deliberate in this decision, as the role of a care navigator differs significantly from that of an in-clinic provider. Additionally, ensure that your care navigation staff meets the licensure requirements of your state's practice act.
Implementing RTM is not as simple as billing new codes; it's a new service line that impacts various facets of your organization. Assemble a project team that includes representatives from all functional areas in your practice. Having a management-level sponsor within your organization is critical for the success of the program.
Designing and defining your clinical workflow for RTM is fundamental to its success. Converging on a single platform for both RTM and home exercise programs can lead to better adoption by providers. Streamlining the workflow simplifies the provider's journey and ensures a frictionless experience for all involved.
Comprehensive training and education are essential for the successful implementation of RTM. Customize training to cater to each department within your organization, including operational teams, front office, and clinical teams. Consider the best training approach to ensure that your staff understands the mechanics of codes, compliance requirements, and how RTM fits into their roles.
Educating and informing patients about RTM is a critical step. Patients need to understand what RTM is, why it matters, and how it can result in better outcomes for their care. Providers play a key role in explaining and helping patients comprehend the benefits of RTM. Provide patients with materials and resources that align with your organization's culture and mission to facilitate knowledge transfer.
Once you've launched RTM, it's crucial to measure and manage success. Align your organization around key success metrics, including revenue, outcomes, and milestones. Ensure that you have access to actionable data that varies depending on the needs of different layers within your organization. Regularly review metrics and meet as a project team to identify opportunities for optimization.
The Bottom Line: Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning and execution. By following these seven best practices, you can harness the power of RTM to improve patient outcomes, increase revenue, and enhance the overall patient experience. As healthcare continues to evolve, RTM is a valuable tool that can help you stay ahead of the curve and provide better care for your patients.