Make changes to your current clinical protocols to ensure that you are efficiently managing your staff’s time amidst their new Remote Patient Responsibilities. Consider how to use your EHR to simplify communication and ensure staff members have access to resources and clinically relevant RPM data to execute and adapt patient care

GOALS TO ACCOMPLISH DURING DESIGNING THE WORKFLOW

• Engage the Implementation team (specifically, an IT representative) to provide input on workflow design 
• Document your existing workflow q Identify updated procedures necessary for RPM, such as patient identification, patient training, device management, data monitoring and analysis, interventions, and billing 
• Define what data points are clinically relevant and protocols for how “clinically relevant data” will be identified and communicated to the appropriate care team members 
• Ensure bandwidth to perform new responsibilities (streamline procedures, automate, outsource, hire new staff ) 
• Assign accountability for any new actions necessary for integration 
• Document a new workflow that incorporates necessary changes across departments 
• Engage your IT team and/or vendor to understand how to best integrate your workflow into your EHR 
• Develop resources to support and socialize the new workflow (written procedures for each department, patient tracking documentation, communication templates) 
• Collect staff feedback and iterate as necessary

WHY DESIGNING THE WORKFLOW IS IMPORTANT

Remote patient monitoring often alters practice interaction with patients. A clear workflow is vital to ensure everyone understands their role and how to maximize the value of RPM through procedures that: 

• Streamline the patient experience to drive adherence and accurate data collection 
• Manage and analyze incoming data 
• Detect and report clinically relevant data to the appropriate care team members 
• Facilitate clinical interventions and changes to care plans as necessary
  

WORKFLOW SHOULD ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING RPM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS 

• Patient Engagement and Education: identifying and enrolling patients, tracking eligible patients, fielding patient phone calls, supporting patient troubleshooting, reminding patients to participate, etc. 
• Device Management: inventory, distribution, tracking, cleaning, and calibration 
• Data Monitoring: reviewing incoming data, discussing data with patients, flagging areas of concern, etc. 
• Managing Interventions: making medical decisions based on data, reaching out in emergency situations, discussing medical changes with patients, etc.
• Coding and Billing: knowing codes available for RPM, integrating CPT codes into the EHR, understanding documentation requirements, etc.
  

Reference- https://www.ama-assn.org/amaone/ama-digital-health-implementation-playbook-