Home health monitoring wearables to track blood pressure, heart rate and sleep are popular. A 2022 AnalyticsIQ study of 8,000 Americans showed that we’ve doubled our use of wearable health devices between 2020 and 2021. Almost half of the respondents used at least one type of wearable tech, and Black, Latinx, male, and Gen X respondents used it the most.
This surge in popularity is no surprise, as home health monitoring empowers people to take control of their well-being from the comfort of their own homes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of setting up a home health monitoring system.
Contents
- Home Health Monitoring Basics
- Essential Devices for Home Health Monitoring
- Choosing the Right Monitoring Devices
- Privacy and Security Considerations
- Setting Up Your Home Health Monitoring System
- Interpreting and Using Health Data
- Maximizing the Benefits of Home Health Monitoring
- Conclusion
Let’s start with the fundamentals.
Home Health Monitoring Basics
Definition of home health monitoring
Home health monitoring uses technology to track and manage health conditions at home or on the go.
Home health monitoring systems let you monitor various health metrics and share the data with healthcare providers remotely. It includes connected health devices and apps to collect, analyze, and transmit health data, facilitating continuous health management without frequent in-office visits (Story, 2010).
Key benefits of monitoring health at home
Home health monitoring offers numerous advantages:
- Increased Health Awareness: People become more aware of their health status, making informed decisions about diet, lifestyle, and treatment options.
- Reduced Physical Consultations: Minimizes the need for in-person visits, which can be beneficial for people with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.
- Real-Time Intervention: Allows for prompt medical interventions based on real-time data, to prevent potential complications.
- Cost Savings: Reduces healthcare costs by decreasing hospital admissions and emergency room visits.
- Improved Chronic Disease Management: Enhances the management of chronic conditions through continuous monitoring and timely adjustments to treatment plans.
Trackable health metrics
Home health monitoring can track a wide range of health metrics, including:
- Vital Signs: Heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
- Biometric Data: Blood glucose levels, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and body composition.
- Activity Levels: Steps taken, calories burned, and sleep patterns.
- Symptoms: Tracking symptoms related to chronic conditions or acute illnesses.
Medical and tech devices for home health monitoring
Several technologies and devices are available for home health monitoring (Dusun, 2024):
- Smart Scales: Measure weight and body composition.
- Blood Pressure Monitors: Track blood pressure levels.
- Glucose Meters: Monitor blood glucose levels for diabetes management.
- Pulse Oximeters: Measure blood oxygen saturation.
- Wearable Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches: Monitor physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns.
- ECG Monitors: Record heart rhythms to detect irregularities.
- Medication Adherence Trackers: Ensure people take medications as prescribed.
Other conditions require more complicated devices that require training from your provider, including:
- Apnea monitors
- Heart monitors
- Special monitors for dementia and Parkinson’s disease
- Breathing apparatuses
- Fetal monitors
Let’s review each of the less complex medical devices in turn.
Essential Devices for Home Health Monitoring
Smart scales for weight and body composition
A study in England showed that smart scale users who weighed themselves often were more likely to lose weight, and weigh themselves after recent weight loss (Sperrin et al., 2016).
Smart scales go beyond measuring weight; they can also analyze body composition, including body fat percentage, muscle mass, and bone density. These scales connect to health apps, allowing users to track their progress over time.
Before measuring your body composition:
- Don’t drink alcohol for 2 days before measuring.
- Avoid exercise, coffee, chocolate, or other diuretics (drinks that make you pee a lot) for 12 hours.
- Don’t eat or drink anything for 4 hours before.
- Don’t measure if you’re sick with a fever or diarrhea.
- Use the bathroom within 30 minutes of measuring.
How to use a smart scale
Mondal & Mondal (2021) recommend the following steps to measure your body composition:
- Enter your age, sex, and height into the device.
- Stand in the right position to ensure you’re touching the electrodes properly.
- If your hands and feet are very dry, use a damp cloth to moisten them.
- Stand still during the measurement.
These devices may show body fat as a percentage, but don’t rely on just one measurement. Take three in a row, find the average (add the results, then divide by three), and write it down in a health log or app.
Blood pressure monitors
Blood pressure monitors are essential for people with hypertension or heart conditions. These devices provide accurate readings of systolic and diastolic blood pressure to manage cardiovascular health.
Before taking your blood pressure:
- Don’t measure your blood pressure until at least 30 minutes after having tea, coffee, energy drinks, cigarettes, or exercising.
- Remove tight clothes and use the bathroom.
How to use a blood pressure monitor
Mondal & Mondal (2021) recommend the following steps to take your blood pressure:
- Sit in a chair with back support, and legs uncrossed with feet flat on the floor. Rest your arm on a table at heart level.
- Put the cuff on their bare arm and start measuring. Don’t move or talk during the measurement.
- Take two readings one minute apart, and take the average of them (add the results, then divide by two). For better accuracy, you can do three readings, but it’s optional.
- Write down the final number in a health log or app to track any changes.
Glucose meters for diabetes management
Glucose meters, or glucometers, are crucial for diabetes management, which helps people monitor their blood sugar levels regularly. Some advanced models can sync with smartphones and health apps for easy tracking and data sharing with healthcare providers.
How to use a glucose meter
Mondal & Mondal (2021) recommend the following steps to measure your blood sugar:
- Check if that the test strips have not expired.
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Take a test strip and close the container. Use a new lancet each time.
- Put the lancet in the right spot on the device and set how deep it will prick based on what works for you or how thick your skin is.
- After loading the device, prick your ring or middle finger. You might need to gently squeeze your finger for enough blood.
Once the blood touches the strip, the meter will take a moment to complete the measurement. The result will show up on the device or your phone. - Throw away the used lancet in a special container for sharp objects and the strip in a biohazard bin. You might need to press your finger with cotton to stop bleeding. You can clean the lancet tip with an alcohol wipe. Write down your blood sugar reading right away in a health log.
Pulse oximeters for oxygen saturation levels
Pulse oximeters measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood, which is vital for people with respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or COVID-19. These devices are easy to use and provide quick, accurate readings.
Before you take a measurement with a pulse oximeter, remove any nail polish from the finger you’re going to use.
How to use a pulse oximeter
Mondal & Mondal (2021) recommend the following steps to measure your oxygen level:
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Put the device on your finger so it’s not too loose or tight. Don’t use a finger with a tattoo or henna on it.
- Make sure your finger covers the lights and sensor properly.
- Avoid bright light, which can cause errors. If you can’t, cover the device with a cloth.
- Start the device, and keep your finger still during measurement.
Every few days of use, clean the device with an alcohol wipe to ensure accurate readings.
Wearable fitness trackers and smartwatches
Wearable fitness trackers and smartwatches monitor various health metrics, including heart rate, steps taken, calories burned, and sleep patterns. They are popular for their convenience and integration with health and fitness apps.
Note that sometimes, these devices make errors. These errors can happen because the sensors in these devices aren’t perfect at counting or estimating. For example, fitness trackers worn on the wrist may count fewer steps than you actually take if you walk slowly (Hicks et al., 2019).
ECG monitors
Irregular heartbeats, known as heart rate arrhythmia, are a major sign of common heart diseases and can be very dangerous. Because these irregularities can happen suddenly, are hard to notice, and change quickly, it’s important to keep track of heart rate changes in real-time to spot and prevent problems early (Zhang & Yang, 2023).
A home electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor can track your heart rate. Note that while wearable ECG monitors can detect heart rhythm issues, but may miss some due to intermittent recording. They’re usually expensive and not covered by insurance.
Medical-grade monitors are more accurate, using chest sensors for continuous recording. Personal devices use wrist or finger sensors and may require manual activation, making them less reliable for serious conditions (Samaan, 2022).
Before measuring your heartbeat:
- Move electronic devices, metal, and magnets away from the ECG device.
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes.
How to use
Mondal & Mondal (2021) recommend the following steps to analyze your heartbeat:
- If your hands are dry, use a damp cloth to moisten them.
- Follow the instructions to place the electrodes correctly.
- Start the device. Don’t move or talk during the measurement.
- Have a doctor look at the results afterward.
Medication adherence trackers
Taking your medication as prescribed is a critical part of your overall health and wellness. To help you remember when to take your meds, use one or more medication adherence monitoring technologies like:
- Medication reminder apps
- Electronic pill boxes, bags, or bottles
- Ingestible sensors
- Blister packs
While these devices offer real-time data and improve adherence monitoring, they face challenges like accuracy issues and expensive implementation. Most rely on proxy measures like device opening events, limiting data precision, and integration with clinical systems is a challenge. (Mason et al., 2022).
Next, we’ll learn how to pick the right health monitoring device for your specific needs.
Choosing the Right Monitoring Devices
Factors to consider when selecting devices
When choosing home health monitoring devices, consider the following factors:
- Ease of Use: Devices should be user-friendly, especially for those with limited technical skills.
- Accuracy and Reliability: Look for devices with proven accuracy and reliability, supported by clinical validation.
- Compatibility: Ensure devices are compatible with your smartphone, tablet, or other health platforms.
- Battery Life: Consider devices with long battery life to avoid frequent recharging.
- Customer Support: Opt for brands that offer robust customer support and warranty services.
Compatibility with smartphones and other tech
Many home health monitoring devices are designed to sync with smartphones and other tech platforms. This integration allows for seamless data transfer, real-time monitoring, and easy access to health metrics through dedicated apps.
Accuracy and reliability of different brands
To ensure you choose the right device, check that the device is approved by the proper authority such as the FDA or ISO (Mondal & Mondal, 2021).
Research and reviews can also help determine the accuracy and reliability of different brands. Look for devices with positive feedback from users and healthcare professionals, and check for any clinical validation or certifications.
Once you get your medical device, it’s important to use them properly, and calibrate them at the intervals the manufacturer recommends to maintain its accuracy (Mondal & Mondal, 2021).
Budget considerations and cost-effectiveness
While some advanced devices can be expensive, there are cost-effective options available that still offer reliable performance. Consider your budget and prioritize devices that provide the best value for money without compromising on essential features.
Once you’ve chosen your devices, it’s vital to address the important aspects of data protection and privacy.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Home health monitoring and remote patient monitoring (RPM) are part of telehealth. Telehealth provides convenience, but also comes with security risks and issues (Houser et al., 2023):
- Environmental issues: Some people don’t have a private space at home to discuss their health.
- Technology problems: Keeping health data safe online can be tricky. Not everyone has access to strong internet or the right tech devices.
- Operational challenges: Some insurance companies don’t cover telehealth. And some people struggle to use tech in general, or software/apps that aren’t user-friendly.
Let’s look at a few best practices to protect and secure your personal health information.
Protect your health data from breaches
Health data is sensitive and must be protected from breaches. Some tips:
- Use strong passwords for your health apps and devices.
- Turn on two-factor authentication in your apps.
- Use email, chat, or messages through the patient portal. This is especially useful when a private location is temporarily unavailable. If the situation isn’t temporary, ask your health provider for suggestions (Houser et al., 2023).
- Regularly update your software to protect against vulnerabilities.
Understand data ownership and sharing policies
Some apps may share data with third parties for research or marketing purposes. Read the privacy policies of your health apps and devices to understand who owns your data and they share it. Opt for apps that prioritize user privacy and offer clear data ownership policies.
Secure your home network for health devices
Some tips to secure your home network include:
- Use a strong Wi-Fi password and enabling network encryption.
- Check the URL address bar of your browser before you enter your personal information on a website. A secure website will show a lock icon in the address bar, and look for https:// at the beginning of the URL (as some do not include the “s”).
- Install and use anti-virus software on your devices.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for health monitoring, as they are more susceptible to breaches.
Check compliance with health data regulations
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a regulation in the U.S. that protects the privacy and security of people’s personal health information. Check whether your health monitoring devices and apps are HIPAA-compliant before you use them, or the similar standards in your region if you’re not in the U.S. (Gerke et al., 2020).
Now that you know how to secure your data, it’s time to create an effective monitoring environment in your home.
Setting Up Your Home Health Monitoring System
Create a dedicated space for health monitoring
Designate a specific area in your home for health monitoring. This space should be quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions to ensure accurate measurements. Keep all your monitoring devices and accessories organized and easily accessible.
Connect devices to your home network
Most home health monitoring devices use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect to your home network. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to pair each device with your smartphone or tablet. Ensure your home network is secure to protect your health data.
Sync devices with health apps and platforms
Download the necessary health apps for your devices and create accounts if required. Synchronize your devices with these apps to enable data transfer and real-time monitoring. Popular health platforms include Apple Health, Google Fit, and dedicated apps from device manufacturers.
Set a daily routine for regular measurements
Consistency is key to effective home health monitoring. Establish a routine for taking measurements, such as checking your blood pressure every morning or measuring your blood glucose levels before meals. Set reminders on your smartphone to help you stay on track.
With your system set up, let’s see how to make sense of the data you’re collecting.
Interpreting and Using Health Data
Learn about health metrics
Get familiar with the health metrics your devices track, and understand what they mean. For example, know the normal ranges for blood pressure, blood glucose, and oxygen saturation levels. Health apps often provide explanations and visualizations to help you interpret the data (Chan et al., 2022).
Recognize normal ranges and potential red flags
Knowing the normal ranges for your health metrics allows you to identify potential red flags. For instance, a consistently high blood pressure reading may indicate hypertension, while low oxygen saturation levels could signal respiratory issues (Chan et al., 2022). Consult your healthcare provider if you notice any abnormal readings.
Set health goals and track progress
Use the data from your monitoring devices to set health goals, such as achieving a target weight or maintaining stable blood glucose levels. Track your progress over time and adjust your goals as needed. Health apps often offer goal-setting features and progress-tracking tools.
Share data with healthcare providers securely
Many health apps allow you to share your data with healthcare providers securely. This can be done through app integrations, email, or cloud storage platforms. Sharing your data helps your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your treatment plan and monitor your progress remotely.
Maximizing the Benefits of Home Health Monitoring
To get the most out of your home health monitoring system, consider these strategies for integrating it into your daily life.
Integrate monitoring in your daily routine
Include health monitoring into your daily routine to make it a habit. For example, you can check your blood pressure while having your morning coffee or track your steps during your evening walk. Consistency ensures accurate data and better health management (Kariuki, n.d.).
Make lifestyle improvements
Use the insights from your health data to make positive lifestyle changes. For instance, if your fitness tracker shows low activity levels, you can set a goal to increase your daily steps. If your blood glucose levels are high, you can adjust your diet and exercise routine accordingly (Kariuki, n.d.).
Combine monitoring with telehealth services
Telehealth services complement home health monitoring by providing remote consultations with healthcare providers. Share your health data during these virtual visits to receive personalized advice and treatment plans. Telehealth can be especially beneficial for managing chronic conditions and reducing the need for in-person visits.
Involve your family in health-tracking
Involving family members in your health monitoring can provide additional support and motivation. Share your health goals and progress with them, and encourage them to participate in health-tracking activities. This can create a supportive environment and improve overall health outcomes.
Conclusion
Setting up a home health monitoring system is a proactive step to take charge of your well-being. Once you choose the right devices, set a consistent monitoring routine, and learn how to interpret your health data, you can gain valuable insights into your body’s needs and trends.
Remember, home health monitoring is no substitute for professional medical advice. Use your newfound knowledge to have more informed discussions with your healthcare provider, ask questions, and make proactive decisions about your health. With the right approach, home health monitoring can lead to better health outcomes and an improved quality of life.
Which health monitors and wearables do you use, and how do they help you?
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