Thanks to the evolution of technology, it’s becoming simpler to keep an eye on our loved ones even when we cannot be there. And now with the help of a new product known as the Honeywell Genesis Touch Telemonitor Tablet, it’s also simpler for a medical professional to keep an eye on patients. HealthLinks Upstate sat down with Michelle Garner, RN at Health Related Home Care, to find out more about the Honeywell Telemonitor and how it’s making things easier for both patients and health care workers.
HL: Explain how these new products work.
Garner: The Honeywell Genesis Touch Telemonitor Tablet enables patients to stay connected to their caregivers while remaining in their own home. It allows Health Related Home Care to keep a closer eye on patients. Patients can check their blood pressure, weight, heart rate, oxygen saturation and answer programmed questions. It takes about five minutes each morning, so it won’t interfere with a patient’s daily routine.
If the patient’s vital signs are outside of alert limits, the telemonitor nurse calls and checks on the patient and may ask for a retest if needed. Also, telemonitor trends are sent to the patients’ doctor if readings are consistently outside alert limits or prior to any appointment. The telemonitor nurse can also do video visits (FaceTime) with the patient for additional education or to visually assess a matter of concern. Thirdly, the telemonitor nurse can program appointment reminders so the Honeywell Genesis Touch Tablet will remind the patient two to three days prior of their upcoming appointment.
HL: What are the distinct advantages of using these systems?
Garner: Through the use of Honeywell Life Care Solutions, Health Related Home Care is able to extend care outside the hospital or the clinic to help patients stay healthy and at home as long as possible. Patients often feel that through the use of telemonitoring, they are better able to navigate their health care world.
HL: At this point, how many of your patients are using the Honeywell products?
Garner: We have 60 patients currently using them, but we have purchased 100 and plan to keep growing the number.
HL: Can you offer an example of when the Honeywell system improved a situation?
Garner: Yes. We have a patient who was frequently admitted to the hospital for IV Lasix, due to his congestive heart failure, prior to coming to Health Related Home Care. We worked with the patient’s doctor to order IV Lasix to use in his home as needed. A telemonitor was placed so that weight and other vital signs could be closely monitored. If this patient becomes symptomatic, he can tell the telemonitor nurse about increased shortness of breath and swelling. We are then able to send a nurse to administer the patient’s IV Lasix, therefore avoiding another visit to the emergency room and another hospitalization.
HL: How is e-health changing what you and your company do as a whole?
Garner: Health care is forever changing, but telehealth has definitely changed health care for the better. I think it allows us as health care professionals to more efficiently care for our patients by keeping a closer eye on their vital signs and enabling us to see them on-screen with the click of a button.
For more information on Health Related Home Care and the Honeywell Genesis Touch Telemonitor Tablet, visit www.healthrelatedhomecare.com or call 800-352-6848.
By Denise K. James