Remote monitoring increased the odds of readmission for patients with sepsis, flu and COVID-19, a study found.
The study, published June 11 in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from 1,286 patients with sepsis or lower respiratory tract infection across 19 hospitals between March 25, 2021, and December 9, 2024. Patients were randomized to usual care or remote patient monitoring with low- or high-intensity questionnaires. Of participants, 59.6% of patients enrolled in the remote monitoring program.
Here are four findings from the study:
1. Seniors treated for sepsis, flu and COVID-19 infections were more likely to require readmission to the hospital when under remote monitoring.
2. Among patients 65 and older, remote monitoring increased the odds of readmission from 33% to 44%, depending on the intensity of their monitoring.
3. Remote monitoring did not increase days at home after discharge for patients who developed sepsis from infections, lead author Sachin Yende, MD, professor of critical care medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, told U.S. News and World Report.
4. More than 3 million Americans are hospitalized annually for serious infections like influenza, sepsis and COVID-19. Patients with sepsis or lower respiratory tract infections experience a 1-year death rate of approximately 40%, and more than 60% of hospital readmissions are driven by infections and worsening of heart and lung disease. Between 2019 and 2022, remote monitoring among Medicare patients increased tenfold.
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