There is a widely accepted observation that the current health care delivery model in the U.S was not developed to manage care needs associated with extended life expectancy and growing rates of chronic conditions. Remote monitoring programs aim to anticipate/identify illness exacerbations and avoid unnecessary treatment, including emergency room visits, re-hospitalizations, and excess costs to the health care system. Combining a literature reivew and key informant interviews, the study presents findings as to how remote monitoring programs are preparing and leveraging the health care workforce to manage patients with chronic illness and long-term care needs who are living at home, with a specific focus on four chronic conditions – CHF, DM, COPD, and CKD.

The authors found that multidisciplinary team approaches were associated with more positive biometric and health care system outcomes. RNs form the core of most programs, as their training and experience allow them the independence to perform assessments while simultaneously communicating and acting upon data.

The report concludes that patient-centered monitoring technologies have the potential to improve the efficiency, cost, and accountability of chronic health care delivery but will require appropriate medical professional support and robust investment in training.