Telemedicine can cut patient mortality

A British study has shown significant reduction in patient mortality rates for patients with chronic conditions.

Data in the study, published in Becker’s Hospital Review, showed a reduction of mortality by 45 percent in patients participating in the United Kingdom Department of Health’s Whole System Demonstrator program. Some 6,000 patients with diabetes, coronary heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were followed over a two-year period beginning in 2008.

The remote monitoring used in the program resulted in:

• 20 percent reduction in emergency admissions,
• 15 percent reduction in emergency department visits,
• 14 percent reduction in elective admissions, and
• 14 percent reduction in bed days.

Read more in iHealthBeat or in The Guardian.