The importance of training and education as part of your RPM model

May 15, 2025

Category:

Blog

As providers look to adopt and integrate remote patient monitoring (RPM) software and solutions, it’s important to not only consider the technology offered, but also the level of comprehensive trainings and education available for both healthcare teams and patients alike. In order to be effective, a telehealth program requires a well-trained staff, from healthcare providers and nurses to administrative personnel¹.

Here are a few things to consider:

Empowering teams for seamless integration

Healthcare providers should thoroughly comprehend the technology they are utilizing to ensure a seamless integration of RPM into their practice. The first step in preparing staff members to provide RPM services starts with clearly defining roles for everyone in the practice². Then, getting teams trained on how to use the RPM tools is paramount, not just to ensure they can operate the system, but to maximize its potential to help improve patient outcomes.

Improving patient engagement

Patient adherence is a significant factor in successful RPM models. Without proper education, patients may not understand the technology, be intimidated by the devices, or simply not see the value in participating. However, providing patient education, such as easy-to-follow instructional videos, along with user-friendly technology, may help to overcome these barriers.

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, “organizations should create a strong patient education system that includes feedback to patients. Education should include setting clear expectations with patients about how abnormal values will be managed by clinicians and what would be considered an emergency for the patient to respond to independently³.”

Reducing errors and improving data accuracy

The data provided by RPM systems is only valuable if it’s accurate. Improper remote patient monitoring device usage, misunderstanding of instructions, or failure to use the technology as directed can lead to inaccurate readings and unreliable data, which can jeopardize your RPM program. Because appropriate staff are needed to monitor data and respond to abnormal values⁴, training and education, like clear step-by-step instructions, can help to prevent these kinds of errors, ensuring that the data collected is reliable and actionable.

There are many benefits to having access to training and education as part of your RPM model, including for providers and staff members who will be integrating the tools into their practices and monitoring data, as well as for patients who will be responsible for proper remote patient monitoring device usage and consistent program adherence. Therefore, it’s crucial to think about collaborating with an RPM company that provides both team training and patient education. Not only can this help set up staff members to effectively use the system and minimize errors, but it can also provide an added level of familiarity and comfort to patients.

As RPM becomes an integral part of healthcare, choosing a partner that provides comprehensive support can make all the difference. At Vivify Health, a remote patient monitoring company that offers a powerful RPM software solution, we provide ongoing support and best practice guidance to optimize your program in addition to education developed and led by nurses experienced in adult learning methods — all in an effort to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your disease management and post-acute care programs.

References

1-2 . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Telehealth training and workforce development. Telehealth.HHS.gov. https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/best-practice-guides/telehealth-training-and-workforce-development

3-4 . Hood, C., Sikka, N., Manaoat Van, C., Mossburg, S. (2023). Remote Patient Monitoring. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.