Smart Meter connects blood pressure monitoring

  • August 20, 2024
  • Steve Rogerson

Florida-based remote patient monitoring (RPM) firm Smart Meter has launched a cellular-connected, multi-cuff blood pressure monitor for RPM and chronic care management (CCM).

The device could deliver accuracy, inclusivity and access to comprehensive health insights for the 129 million Americans living with a chronic illness.

In response to the growing demand for effective RPM, Smart Meter has engineered a multi-cuff blood pressure monitor that addresses the limitations of traditional single-cuff devices. The iBloodPressure Classic multi-cuff monitor (smartmeterrpm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/iBloodPressure-Classic-Product-Brochure-7.19.24.pdf) can provide healthcare professionals with a more detailed and accurate understanding of a patient’s blood pressure trends over time, essential for managing chronic conditions and optimising care strategies.

The three cuff sizes are designed to fit arms from 21.8 to 52cm in diameter, with a 30cm range. This ensures patients with arms that of various sizes can easily position the cuff correctly, which is essential for an accurate reading.

According to American Heart Association research, having an appropriate cuff size is imperative for best results. In addition, the research revealed that using a one-cuff-size-fits-all approach when measuring blood pressure may lead to inaccuracies in blood pressure measurement and diagnosis.

Inaccurate readings due to wrong cuff size were particularly evident in people with obesity, who require large or extra-large cuff sizes for accurate blood pressure readings. It is important for health care professionals and the public to recognise the importance of cuff size for office, kiosk and home blood pressure measurement.

Unlike conventional monitors that rely on a single cuff, Smart Meter’s device includes three cuffs of varying sizes to accommodate a broader range of patients. This feature ensures accurate readings across different arm sizes and conditions, enhancing the monitor’s versatility and reliability.

The technology behind the multi-cuff system ensures readings are more precise, reducing the likelihood of errors caused by ill-fitting cuffs or incorrect positioning. This improved accuracy is crucial for effective hypertension management and treatment planning.

Integrated with cellular connectivity, the monitor allows for seamless remote patient monitoring. Patients can transmit their blood pressure data to their healthcare providers in real time, facilitating timely interventions and personalised care adjustments.

The device has an intuitive one-button interface, making it easier for patients to take their readings. The clear and straightforward design ensures users of all ages can manage their blood pressure monitoring with confidence, and its ease-of-use can help support patient engagement and adherence, leading to improved health outcomes.

The monitor facilitates easy reporting and trends, offering healthcare providers insights into a patient’s blood pressure patterns. This real-time, accurate data support more informed decision-making and enhance the management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and heart disease.

Patient data are transmitted securely using encryption protocols on a private RPM data network, ensuring sensitive information remains confidential and protected against unauthorised access.

By enabling more accurate measurements and facilitating remote monitoring, the device empowers healthcare providers to offer more personalised and effective care. Patients benefit from a more accurate assessment of their health status, leading to better management of their conditions and improved overall outcomes.

“Accurate transmission of a patient’s blood pressure is crucial for healthcare providers to track trends and make care plan adjustments when needed,” said Smart Meter CEO Casey Pittock. “We listened carefully to our customers who serve tens of thousands of providers to develop this new version of our iBloodPressure Classic monitor that is now compatible with three different cuff sizes. These new cuff sizes will not only help a broader range of patients but also help improve the accuracy of those readings.”

Smart Meter (www.smartmeterrpm.com) is a supplier of cellular RPM and CCM products.