Netherlands-based Royal Philips Electronics and U.S. -based Misys Healthcare Systems have partnered to create a remote-patient monitoring software platform to make the most of what both companies view as a budding market.

　　The baby boom generation is aging, the country is experiencing a nursing shortage, and technology is becoming more and more affordable, said Jeneane Brian, clinical strategy executive for Misys.

　　Philips offers wireless telemonitoring measurement devices and clinical content. Misys provides integrated financial and clinical management solution, including point-of-care, to the homecare industry. Philips was first attracted to the “design of Misys' application,” said Michael Lemnitzer, senior director of strategic business development and consumer healthcare solutions at Philips. “[Misys] is a big player in healthcare. They are very competitive in the market and rank high in customer satisfaction. They have good synergy,” he said.

　　The goal of the partnership is to provide monitoring and care for patients most in need of clinical attention, in order to reduce hospital readmissions and healthcare costs associated with chronic disease, Lemnitzer said.

　　In deciding to partner with Philips, Misys factored in the broad range of monitoring devices Philips offered, from a simple pendant to more advanced forms. Brian described three levels of devices that Philips provides.

　　The lowest level is called a pendant, designed to respond to emergencies. The second level is a remote monitor, which is located in the patient's home and monitors blood pressure or other vital signs via the patient's phone-line. The information is automatically sent to Philips through a toll-free call and is uploaded to a Web portal where nurses can monitor the data from work or home. This type of device is designed for short-term use to prevent hospitalizations by monitoring trends in chronic illnesses, so patients may remain home longer, said Lemnitzer.

　　The third level, a broadband application called a Motiva, can be installed through a standard TV. Motiva is designed for long-term care. It is currently available in Europe and the United States.

　　Wireless communication through the patient's TV is what Brian calls a “win-win situation for everyone." “[This software platform] is designed towards the needs of the patients,” she said.  Instead of arbitrary patient visits, patients will indicate when there is a need for a visit.

　　Most patients already have a TV and by allowing monitoring, which on minimum occurs twice a day, patients can avoid emergency hospital visits and re-admissions, saving healthcare costs while providing better care. It also makes it possible for homecare agencies to deal with one system.

　　Medicare does not reimburse patients for this product. However, Brian said she hopes that will change. “Medicare reimburses depending on how well the patient fared after you performed the service,” she said. “Telemonitoring allows us to take such good care of a patient that outcomes will be better; it will detect things by intervening at the beginning. As a result, unexpected visits to the hospital will be reduced.”