Telemedicine is the delivery of health care from a distance. Technologies such as telephones, email, computers, interactive video, digital imaging, and health care monitoring devices, make it possible for clinicians to monitor, diagnose and treat patients without having to physically be with them.

The Home Care Network is at the forefront of incorporating this technology into its delivery of care. Telemonitoring and remote care management of home health patients is aimed at effective management of chronic illness, preventing hospitalizations and institutionalization. In October of 2005 The Home Care Network entered a relationship with BL Healthcare to participate in a research project to obtain patient and provider feedback on the use of the View Point System. In 2007, after extensive modifications, the Telemonitoring Initiative moved from research into practice.

View Point enables the remote monitoring and management of chronically ill patients at home over phone lines and broadband networks.  Patients, including those with congestive heart failure and diabetes, are taught to use special equipment to monitor their vital signs.  The measurements are transmitted via wireless technology to our clinicians’ laptop computers for daily review.  The record of measurements, including blood pressure, body weight and blood glucose levels, allows the clinician to see changes that take place between home nursing visits.  This stream of data does not take the place of the two to three weekly visits normally scheduled by a skilled nurse.  But, it does allow closer monitoring, which enhances the management of care.  Should something be identified as  a problem or a potential  problem, the clinician can telephone, videoconference, or visit the patient to help problem solve to prevent severe complications and re-hospitalization. Ultimately, Telemonitoring helps reduce return visits to the emergency room and hospital.