Evaluating the Impact of a Patient-centered Remote Monitoring Program on Adherence to Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.

A remote therapy monitoring (RTM) system has been developed for use with a negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) unit for patients in the home care setting. In conjunction with RTM, a network of trained professionals call patients when their NPWT usage is low and provide education to assist with therapy adherence.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this evaluation is to examine the relationship between the RTM system and patient adherence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety-eight home care patients receiving NPWT with RTM between December 2016 and April 2017 were included.

RESULTS: A total of 979 calls were made, with an average of 4.9 calls per patient. Among 198 patients, 195 received a welcome call, 157 received a call due to low adherence, and 35 had an escalation call made to their treating nurse. Of the 157 patients who required at least 1 call due to low adherence, 153 were successfully contacted at least once. The day following the patient call, adherence increased 73% of the time by an average of 8.5 hours.

CONCLUSIONS: This evaluation suggests there is an ability to influence patient adherence through active engagement, potentially improving outcomes and reducing wound costs.