Rural Ohio patients to receive wireless health monitors

The Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio plans to begin using high-tech monitors to keep track of the health status of rural patients, a move officials say should reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits (Source: “Grant to help Visiting Nurse Association track health of patients in rural Ohio,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, March 18, 2009).

As part of the $410 billion federal Omnibus bill passed by Congress last week, the VNA has been awarded a $95,000 grant to pay for equipment that will monitor patients’ heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, blood sugar, weight and oxygen saturation every morning. The results are then sent wirelessly to the VNA office, where advanced practice nurses can review the information and take action if needed.

The VNA has been using this type of monitor in other states since 2002.