Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is a type of healthcare that lets doctors keep track of their
patients’ health, even when they are not physically present. It’s part of telehealth, a modern way to
deliver medical care over a distance using technology. In RPM, doctors, nurses, and other specialists
use digital tools to check vital signs and other health data from the patient’s home or wherever they
are comfortable.
Here’s how RPM works:
- Patients use special digital device and collect health data automatically
- The information collected from these devices is sent securely to
healthcare providers. - They can detect any unusual signs quickly.
- Patients can receive treatment through phone or video
conferenceing - Patients don’t always have to go to the hospital or clinic for check-ups
spirometers, blood pressure monitors, scales for weight, pulse oximeters (to check oxygen levels),
and blood glucose meters (for blood sugar). These devices are simple to use and collect health data
automatically.
Data Sharing in Real-Time: The information collected from these devices is sent securely to
healthcare providers. They can see the data almost instantly, no matter where they are. This means
they can identify any abnormal signs quickly.
Regular Check-Ins Without Travel: Because RPM works remotely, patients don’t always have to go
to the hospital or clinic for check-ups. This is especially helpful for people who live far away, have
limited mobility, or need frequent monitoring.
Taking a premature baby home after a long stay in the NICU can be a challenging and stressful
experience for parents. The transition to parenthood often begins in the NICU, with the support of
nurses and medical staff. Once the baby is home, however, parents suddenly find themselves
responsible for full-time care, which may include managing medications, home oxygen, feeding
issues, and monitoring. How well-prepared parents feel for this transition can make a big difference
in their ability to manage at home.
Many parents feel unprepared for the discharge process and worry about how their baby will
compare to babies born full-term. They often see their baby as more fragile, more likely to get sick,
or as being behind in development. Many mothers also report feeling sad, anxious, and concerned
about their own mental health.
Families express a strong need for more knowledge about caring for a baby with potential special
health needs. They want information that is consistent and easy to understand, and they value good
communication with their medical team. However, many parents say they don’t receive enough
guidance on their baby’s long-term development or know who to contact for follow-up support once
they leave the NICU. The need for support is significant, as approximately 10% of babies in the
United States spend time in the NICU.
How Remote Monitoring Can Support Parents of Ex-NICU Babies?
Bringing a baby home from the NICU is a big step and requires careful planning. Preparing for
discharge starts early to make sure that families feel ready and confident in caring for their baby at
home. Babies in the NICU often need close monitoring due to their delicate health, and some of
these monitoring tools can continue to support families after discharge, helping to keep babies safe
and parents informed.
Key Health Monitoring for Ex-NICU Babies at Home
In the NICU, healthcare providers use special devices to track a baby’s vital signs. For families at
home, some of these tools can be used to monitor a baby’s health and catch any potential issues
early. Here are some common monitoring devices that can be used at home:
1. Digital Stethoscope
Purpose: A digital stethoscope allows doctors to listen to a baby’s heartbeat and breathing
sounds with clarity. It records and amplifies these sounds, making it easier for doctors to
monitor the baby’s heart and lung health remotely.
Benefit: Parents can use this device to check for irregular sounds, which might indicate
issues with breathing or heart function. These digital stethoscopes can connect to
smartphones, allowing parents to send recordings directly to specialists for feedback.
2. Pulse Oximeter
Purpose: A pulse oximeter measures oxygen levels in the blood and the baby’s heart rate by
attaching a small sensor to the baby’s hand or foot.
Benefit: Babies with breathing or heart problems may need oxygen levels monitored
regularly. This device allows parents to quickly check oxygen levels, helping them ensure the
baby is breathing well. This reduces the need for hospital visits and reassures parents about
their baby’s condition.
Normal Oxygen level
Newborn babies usually have oxygen levels above 95% and close to 100% like any other
baby although some babies may take a few minutes to a couple of hours to reach this level
after birth. The oxygen level may normalluy fluctuate between 92-100%. While sleeping,
oxygen levels tend to be lower than during waking hours due to shallower breaths and
longer pauses between the breaths. Some babies show a pattern called “periodic breathing”
which is due to immaturity of the brain that results in periods of long pauses in breathing
while sleeping resulting in extremely low oxygen levels (below 90%), followed by normal
breathing & return of normal oxygen levels. Although most babies will eventually grow out
of “periodic breathing”, they need close observation and oxygen therapy to treat their low oxygen levels.
It’s normal for oxygen levels to drop slightly during certain activities, like feeding, when they
may transiently go as low as 85%. As long as they quickly return back to normal, these
transient dips in oxygen levels do not cause long-term harm. If they persistently stay lower
than 90% for more than two minutes, or if they are associated with other visible forms of
breathing difficulties such as fast breathing or chest retractions, parents need to seek immediate medical attention.
3. Home Heart Rate Monitor
Purpose: This device measures the baby’s heart rate and provides real-time data.
Benefit: Monitoring the baby’s heart rate can be especially useful for babies at risk of certain
heart conditions. The device can alert parents if the heart rate falls outside the normal
range, helping parents respond promptly.
Babies’ hearts beat faster than adults. For example, a heart rate of 80 is normal for an adult
but might be too slow for a newborn. Premature babies usually have even faster heartbeats
than full-term babies. As babies grow older, their heart rates naturally slow down.
For premature babies, a normal heart rate is between 120 and 160 beats per minute. For
full-term babies, it’s usually between 80 and 140 beats per minute. In practice, isolated
home heart rate monitoring is not used outside of specialist cardiology settings. The pulse
oximeter is preferrable since it can measure both heart rate and oxygen levels.
4. Remote Temperature Monitor
Purpose: A digital thermometer or wearable temperature monitor can keep track of the
baby’s body temperature.
Benefit: Babies, especially preterm ones, can be sensitive to temperature changes. Remote
temperature monitoring ensures that parents know if the baby has a fever or needs to be
kept warmer, which is important for their health and comfort.
Newborn babies need to stay warm, with their body temperature between 36.5°C and
37.5°C. To help, the room can be kept at 23°C to 25°C, and things like warmers, heated
mattresses, or caps and wraps can be used. In many places, parents keep their baby warm
by holding them skin-to-skin, which works well, especially where special equipment isn’t
available.
5. Digital weighing scales:
Purpose: These machines often come with high precision and are designed to be easy to use,
which ensures that weight measurements are reliable.
Benefit: Weight loss or inadequate weight gain can be a sign of feeding difficulties, infection,
or other underlying issues. Digital weighing machines that track weight remotely can alert
healthcare providers to any concern trends, enabling early intervention before issues
escalate. With regular remote monitoring, if a baby's weight is not increasing at the
expected rate, clinicians can adjust feeding schedules or explore other medical interventions
quickly. Weighing scales are also helpful in assessing the severity of dehydration in an infant
who might be vomiting or having diarrhea. A loss of 5% or more of weight in an infant having
diarrhea or vomiting is a sign of 5% dehydration which warrants immediate assessment by a
medical practitioner. A 10% weight loss in in such a baby is a sign of severe dehydration and
is a medical emergency. On the contrary, an alert infant who has vomited a few times but
who has not lost weight by more than 3%, with a normal temperature and heart rate is a
reassuring sign.
Home Care for Ex-NICU Babies
Home care for ex-NICU babies involves the specialized care and attention babies receive after being discharged from the hospital following premature birth or medical issues. These babies need extra help to grow and develop properly.
Health Monitoring
Regular health monitoring is essential for ex-NICU babies. Parents or caregivers track the baby’s vital signs, such as heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and temperature to ensure everything is stable. Monitoring the baby’s weight is important to make sure they are growing well. Special feeding techniques might be needed, such as using bottles, tubes, or fortified milk. Some babies might need to continue medications or treatments after leaving the NICU. For example, they may need oxygen therapy or medication for infections or other issues. Ex-NICU babies might need physical therapy to help with motor skills, muscle strength, and movement. This is especially important if they were born prematurely or had health problems.
Training for Parents
Parents of ex-NICU babies are trained to care for their baby, including giving medications and using medical equipment like oxygen tanks. They also learn to recognize signs of illness or distress to take quick action when needed. Since these babies may have delays in reaching milestones such as rolling over or talking, home care helps monitor their growth and early therapy may be suggested if needed. Ex-NICU babies are also at risk for hearing or vision issues, and regular check-ups are important to catch problems early. Caring for these babies can be stressful, so parents are encouraged to seek support and counselling when needed.
Remote Patient Monitoring for Continuous Tracking
Parents can use digital tools to track vital signs and weight, allowing healthcare providers to monitor the baby remotely and ensure proper care at home. Regular support from healthcare professionals can help reduce stress for parents, providing them with confidence in caring for their baby. Home care involves not only monitoring the baby’s physical health but also supporting their emotional and developmental needs, it’s about making sure the baby feels safe, loved, and supported as they continue to grow and develop. With proper home care, ex-NICU babies can thrive and develop into healthy children, even if they face challenges early in life.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) enables families to stay in touch with healthcare professionals through video calls or secure messaging for continued care after discharge from NICU. Doctors can assess the baby’s condition and offer advice between physical visits. This ongoing support helps parents feel assured and ensures their baby’s well-being EX-NICU.
Access Pediatric is a special telehealth service for children that lets you talk to paediatricians through video calls from home. If needed, Access Pediatric can also send medical devices to your home, so that doctors can check your child’s vital signs remotely.
Access Pediatric understands how challenging it can be to care for your baby after they leave the NICU. That’s why our telehealth service brings expert care and support right to you, making it easier to manage your child’s health without leaving your home. It will empower parents with the knowledge, support, and resources they need to provide the best care for their ex-NICU babies at home.