Remote patient monitoring to interrupt chains of respiratory infections in outpatient care - a case-control study during the 2020/21 infection season

Eichler, S.; Carnarius, S.; Steiger, E.; von Stillfried, D.

Aim of the study The aim of the study was to investigate satisfaction, saving of time and the possible reduction of patient visits to practices that use Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) during treatment compared to usual care. Methods In a case-control study between October 2020 and May 2021, the participating practices were randomized into three groups (two different RPM systems, one control). The doctors were required to enroll patients with acute respiratory infection [≥] 18 years who have a web-enabled device. After a three-month study phase, the doctors were asked to describe the treatment of their patients via online survey. The patients were also questioned. The analysis was carried out descriptively and with group comparisons. Results 51 practices with 121 patients were included. Overall, the results show a positive assessment of digital care on the patient side. As for the doctors, handling and integration of the systems into consisting practice processes seem to be a challenge. Further, the number of patient visits to the practice was not reduced by using the systems and the doctors did not save time, but the relationship to the patients was intensified. Conclusion Even if there were no indications for more efficiency by using the RPM systems, the doctors see great potential to intensify the interaction between doctor and patient. In particular, more intensive contact with patients with chronic diseases (e. g. COPD, long-COVID) could be of long term interest and importance for doctors in outpatient care. Trial Registration: DRKS00023553 Keywords: RPM, outpatient care, chains of infection, respiratory infection