WYOMING, Mich. — Metro Health is providing virtual care for patients with a new home monitoring program.
Once a physician allows a COVID-19 patient to return home, the patient will be given technology that will permit health personnel to monitor the patient’s status, according to Metro Health - University of Michigan.
“We’re reducing the exposure and burden of our clinical staff,” says Chief Medical Information Officer Dr. Lance Owens. “More importantly, we’re caring for our patients where they want to be, at home with their loved ones.”
Owens says patient response has been positive so far.
We’re told patients are given a tablet with an internet connection as well as a number of peripherals with Bluetooth connectivity, such as a scale, thermometer and blood pressure cuff.
Metro Health says multiple readings are conducted each day, and patients answer surveys that ask about the patient’s well-being. They tell us health data is monitored by Metro Health professionals and that they receive alerts if health readings are abnormal.
The program, which Metro Health says was created alongside Home Recovery Solutions, has proven popular among staff members as well.
“Being able to assist patients while they convalesce from COVID in their own homes has been one of the most rewarding things I have been involved with,” says Primary Care Physician Gerrit J. Kleyn.
