Home Health Monitoring expands to COVID-19 patients

​The Home Health Monitoring (HHM) service, which provides home-based monitoring of patients, is expanding to include COVID-19 patients who are self-isolating. The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) originally launched HHM in spring 2020 for patients with chronic health conditions, such as lung transplant recipients.

“Home Health Monitoring has many benefits for both the patients and our health-care system, which is especially important in this time of strained resources,” said Michelle Mula, Executive Director of Digital Health. “Patients are able to complete secure questionnaires about their health on their own electronic device from home while they self-isolate, and SHA staff closely observe those responses to address patient concerns and track their recovery progress.”

The SHA is piloting the system expansion in Saskatoon, and finalizing how it will be rolled out in other areas of the province for clients, including health-care workers. Currently, the system can accommodate about 2,100 COVID-19 patients, and can be expanded if the need continues to grow.

“This platform connects us with patients daily, more effectively and efficiently,” said Mula. “It complements our existing monitoring methods, which happen through phone calls, to support our patients and ensure they receive quality care, while also relieving some pressure on our staff.”

The safe and secure digital platform ensures the privacy of our patients is protected, and is provided by Telus. More information about HHM is available on the virtual care site.