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This joint webinar, hosted by the Digital Care Hub and Homecare Association, will be an insightful session on the safe use of AI in homecare. This discussion is tailored for adult social care providers in England, and will include: Provider Insights: Hear from industry experts and social care providers on the latest trends and challenges. Innovative AI Applications: Discover exciting examples of AI transforming homecare. Ethical and Safety Considerations: Learn about the key ethical and safety aspects to consider. Practical Tips: Get top tips for implementing AI effectively in your practice. This session is designed for adult social care providers in England and are aimed at people who make decisions about the use of technology in care services. Register

This article explores how remote patient monitoring (RPM) is transforming patient safety by enabling continuous, real-time tracking of health data outside clinical settings. It provides a comprehensive overview of RPM technologies, their clinical benefits, implementation challenges and best practices. It highlights the growing importance of RPM in proactive care models and its role in reducing hospital readmissions, improving medication adherence and supporting vulnerable patient populations. How is remote patient monitoring changing patient safety? A Mass General Brigham study of 10,803 participants found that RPM reduced mean blood pressure from 150/83 to 145/83, which significantly lowers cardiovascular disease risk.[1] RPM technologies provide clinicians with real-time data streams; this allows for quick interventions when patient conditions change. The continuous monitoring bridges dangerous gaps between appointments where medical complications developed undetected. Beyond crisis prevention, RPM enhances medication safety through adherence tracking and creates comprehensive longitudinal health records revealing subtle trends conventional episodic care might miss. The benefits reach vulnerable groups—elderly, rural and mobility-limited patients—who now get regular supervision free of transportation constraints, creating safety nets once inaccessible under conventional care models. Real-time monitoring: a lifeline for early intervention and patient safety RPM provides regular data collection that serves as a buffer against avoidable harm by detecting minute physiological changes that indicate clinical deterioration. RPM significantly bolsters patient safety by enabling early detection of health deteriorations, thereby facilitating timely interventions. A study published in NPJ Digital Medicine analysed 29 studies across 16 countries and found that RPM interventions led to a reduction in hospital readmissions and emergency department visits.[2] Specifically, the study highlighted that RPM demonstrated positive outcomes in patient safety and adherence, and improved patients' mobility and functional statuses. This early warning feature considerably improves patient safety by enabling timely clinical interventions before symptoms worsen. A known patient with serious congestive heart failure can also be given diuretic adjustments remotely, avoiding hospitalisation. RPM also decreases the risks associated with medications by enabling physicians to identify missed doses and adverse reactions. Long-term data further strengthens safety by showing patterns—like low oxygen levels at night in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients—that single tests might miss. Personalised interventions are supported by this fine-grained understanding, especially for high-risk populations such as patients living in rural areas that have improved access to attentive monitoring. By combining speed and accuracy, RPM transforms patient safety to an actionable, data-driven and efficient procedure rather than a fixed objective. Key technologies driving remote patient monitoring: enabling safer, data-driven care Remote patient monitoring depends on a complex ecosystem of linked technology that extends clinical supervision outside of facility boundaries. Wearable devices form the basic foundation of this system—with regulatory-approved sensors capturing vital metrics continuously. RPM is transforming healthcare by shifting from reactive to proactive safety strategies. These digital systems continuously track vital signs, medication compliance and physiological parameters outside traditional clinical settings. This enables early detection of deterioration before serious complications arise. Advanced cardiac monitors identify arrhythmias with 98% accuracy and smart glucose sensors provide real-time glycaemic information via subcutaneous readings. Connected devices for tracking urinary patterns help physicians diagnose various types of incontinence without requiring in-person assessments, improving dignity and convenience for patients with mobility challenges. Smart inhalers with embedded sensors record medication usage patterns and technique, enabling precise interventions for respiratory conditions. Mobile applications are a link between patients and clinical teams—with simple dashboards that show health trends and medication adherence. These platforms usually combine clinical protocols, secure messaging systems and alerts based on preset thresholds. Backend analytics platforms transform raw physiological data into clinically relevant insights through sophisticated algorithms. These systems analyse longitudinal data against established baselines to detect minor abnormalities that precede clinical deterioration. According to studies, these predictive capacities can detect sepsis 6–12 hours earlier than traditional approaches, considerably increasing survival rates.[3] Secure, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant electronic health record (EHR) integration—using end-to-end encryption and strict authentication—creates comprehensive patient profiles, enabling better-informed treatment decisions. Implementing remote patient monitoring: main challenges RPM has numerous benefits in healthcare, but putting it into practice involves challenges that need thoughtful solutions. Digital literacy gaps create accessibility barriers, particularly among elderly populations where only 64% report comfort with technology-based healthcare tools according to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society survey of 3,450 seniors.[4] Privacy concerns are significant as continuous monitoring generates sensitive health data that requires strong security. To maintain patient trust while meeting regulatory standards, healthcare centres must use end-to-end encryption, unambiguous consent mechanisms and transparent data governance frameworks. Another problem is clinical workflow integration; RPM systems that function without the use of EHR platforms result in documentation silos. Customised integration pathways that embed remote monitoring data within regular clinical interfaces are required for successful RPM implementation. When clinicians get an overwhelming number of notifications, the intended safety benefits are undermined. Effective systems use tiered alert processes with tailored thresholds that are based on patient baselines rather than population norms. These graduated notification systems ensure that important notifications receive necessary attention while preventing frequent low-risk alerts. As healthcare organisations face these issues, good implementation frameworks that include technical assistance, privacy safeguards and workflow optimisation are relevant to fulfilling RPM's full potential. Best practices for patient-centered remote monitoring Effective RPM is beyond technological equipment; it requires an effective structure that can only come from consistent planning and review. Healthcare organisations should establish dedicated implementation teams comprising clinicians, IT staff and patient advocates to gather diverse viewpoints and boost adoption of RPM. This cross-functional strategy improves RPM acceptance and sustainability while lowering possible resistance. Healthcare administrators should train providers thoroughly on both technical use of medical devices and data interpretation. A 2023 NEJM Catalyst study of 76 healthcare centres showed that centres with robust training of healthcare professionals had 43% higher RPM use after a year compared to those with minimal training.[5] Healthcare professionals should also be trained to focus equally on patient support through easy enrolment, clear instructions in multiple languages and in-person device training. Dedicated tech support channels should be created for RPM users in order to prevent frustration whenever there is a network glitch. Clear clinical protocols defining intervention thresholds, escalation pathways and response timeframes should be made to transform data into actionable intelligence. Rigorous quality assurance measures—including regular connectivity testing, data validation audits and patient usability assessments—safeguard programme integrity. Periodic review cycles examining alert frequency, response times and intervention outcomes help refine system parameters for maximum clinical utility. The most effective RPM programmes integrate patient feedback mechanisms allowing continuous refinement of interfaces, alert frequencies, and educational materials based on real-world experience. Conclusion RPM is improving healthcare from reactive to preventive care. As technology advances, these systems will become standard practice. Future developments will include smaller sensors, longer battery life and better connectivity—making monitoring easier for patients while improving data quality. Better predictive analytics will help physicians identify health problems earlier with greater accuracy. Beyond helping patients, RPM is changing organisational safety culture by expanding care beyond hospitals. This shift represents a major advancement—creating continuous monitoring systems that protect patients throughout their healthcare journey and redefining patient safety for modern medicine. References 1. Mass General Brigham. Mass General Brigham Remote Healthcare Delivery Program Improves Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Level, 9 November 2022. 2. Ying Tan S, et al. A systematic review of the impacts of remote patient monitoring (RPM) interventions on safety, adherence, quality-of-life and cost-related outcomes. NPJ Digital Medicine 2024; 7: 192. 3. King J, et al. Early Recognition and Initial Management of Sepsis in Adult Patients. Ann Arbor (MI): Michigan Medicine University of Michigan, 2023. 4. American Geriatrics Society 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2024; 72: III-VI. 5. Barrett JB, et al. Reduced Hospital Readmissions Through Personalized Care: Implementation of a Patient, Risk-Focused Hospital-Wide Discharge Care Center. NEJM Catal Innov Care Deliv 2025;6(6). DOI: 10.1056/CAT.24.0420. Further reading on the hub Putting patients at the heart of digital health Digital diagnosis—what the doctor ordered? Electronic patient record systems: Putting patient safety at the heart of implementation How do we harness technology responsibly to safeguard and improve patient care?

Leadership Futures recently published a report 'Harnessing technology for human progress: Advancing into Industry 5.0', which is driven by a bold ambition: to transform organisations worldwide through technological advancements. In this blog, Caroline Beardall looks at the implications of this for healthcare and suggests five actions that organisation's should take to ensure we achieve the benefits from technology while keeping patient safety at the forefront of an evolving landscape. The recent Leadership Futures report 'Harnessing technology for human progress: Advancing into Industry 5.0' provides a valuable framework for integrating technology with human-centered leadership, which is highly applicable to advancing patient safety in health and care. Its vision of Industry 5.0 as a collaborative human-AI partnership offers a route to reduce errors, enhance clinician capacity and improve patient outcomes. However, realising these benefits requires caution—ethical and inclusive implementation strategies that address the complexities and risks unique to health and care settings. It throws up three fundamental challenges: How can healthcare leaders ensure AI tools are safe to use and that clinical staff can trust them? Who should be responsible if an AI system makes a mistake that affects a patient? How can healthcare organisations use technology to work better without losing the importance of human interaction and the skills needed for high levels of patient satisfaction and safety? In order to answer these questions, and deepen the discussion on harnessing technology responsibly to safeguard and improve patient care, there are some actions we can take to build on the report and begin to gain evidence and experience specific to healthcare. As the landscape of healthcare shifts and evolves, we should consider applying the following five actions (with examples of how to do this) so we can achieve the maximum benefits from technology for patient safety. 1. Foster collective, collaborative leadership across boundaries Leaders should actively promote cooperation and shared responsibility across organisational and professional boundaries, focusing on the overall patient journey rather than siloed departmental goals. This aligns with the report’s emphasis on human-machine collaboration and the need for integrative leadership cultures that support safe, seamless care delivery. By working collectively, leaders can ensure technology is implemented with broad input and oversight, reducing risks and enhancing patient safety. Implement interdisciplinary collaboration practices: Organise regular team meetings involving diverse healthcare professionals to discuss patient care holistically, ensuring all voices contribute to decision making. Create shared goals and aligned metrics: Develop common objectives focused on patient safety and quality that unify departments and reduce siloed working. Lead by example: Demonstrate collaborative behaviours and openness to input, encouraging a culture of trust and teamwork. 2. Embed ethical, human-centred use of technology Leaders must champion ethical principles in technology adoption, ensuring AI and digital tools augment rather than replace human judgment and empathy. This includes rigorous validation of new technologies, transparency in AI decision-making, and ongoing monitoring to prevent harm or bias. Prioritising patient experience and human values in technology deployment safeguards safety and trust. Prioritise transparency and clinician involvement: Engage frontline staff early in AI and technology design and deployment to ensure tools meet clinical needs and ethical standards. Establish continuous monitoring and feedback loops: Use data and user feedback to identify and mitigate risks or biases in technology that could impact patient safety. Promote ethical leadership training: Equip leaders with skills to balance innovation with patient experience and accountability. 3. Develop and support workforce readiness and engagement Preparing staff to work effectively alongside new technologies is vital. Leaders should invest in training that builds digital literacy, critical thinking and resilience, while also fostering a positive work climate where staff feel valued and supported. Engaged and confident clinicians are better able to use technology safely and maintain high standards of care. Invest in targeted training and digital upskilling: Provide contextual, in-app guidance and interactive training to help staff adopt new technologies confidently and efficiently. Foster a culture of psychological safety and empowerment: Encourage open discussion, honest feedback and staff involvement in decision making to build trust and resilience. Practice empathetic leadership: Focus on emotional and professional needs of staff to reduce burnout and improve engagement. 4. Set clear, aligned objectives focused on quality and safety Leadership should establish clear, challenging and aligned goals at every level that prioritise patient safety and quality improvement over mere efficiency or target-driven metrics. This clarity helps reduce staff stress and confusion, enabling teams to focus on delivering compassionate, safe care supported by technology. Communicate clear expectations and priorities: Use consistent, transparent communication to align teams around patient safety goals and reduce ambiguity. Implement continuous feedback and learning systems: Regularly review performance data and patient feedback to refine objectives and improve care quality. Balance efficiency with human factors: Ensure operational goals do not compromise critical human skills or patient-centred care. 5. Champion diversity, inclusion and accountability in leadership Inclusive leadership practices that promote equality and diversity are essential to fostering innovation and ethical decision-making in healthcare technology adoption. Leaders must also clarify accountability frameworks for technology-related decisions and errors, ensuring responsibility is shared and transparent to maintain patient safety. Promote inclusive leadership practices: Value diverse perspectives and foster equity to enhance innovation and ethical decision-making Clarify accountability frameworks: Define roles and responsibilities clearly, especially concerning technology-related decisions and errors, to maintain trust and safety Model human-centred leadership traits: Practice self-awareness, compassion and mindfulness to create cultures of excellence, trust, and caring. By integrating these strategies, human-centric leaders can effectively translate the insights from the Leadership Futures report into practical actions that improve patient safety, staff satisfaction and overall health system resilience. This approach embraces complexity and change as opportunities, not obstacles, which then enables sustainable progress in better health and care delivery. Further reading Amelia N. 6 Effective Leadership Strategies for Healthcare in 2025. Edstellar, 31 December 2024. West M, et al. Leadership in Healthcare: a Summary of the Evidence Base. Kings Fund; Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management; Center for Creative Leadership, 2015. LeClerc L, Kennedy K, Campis S. Human-Centered Leadership in Health Care: An Idea That's Time Has Come. Nursing Administration Quarterly 2020; 44(2):p 117-26.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, patient safety and quality care remain the cornerstones of effective medical practice. Every day, healthcare professionals strive to provide treatments that not only heal but also protect patients from harm. As a passionate advocate for patient-centred care, Ssuuna Mujib, a volunteer at the Uganda Alliance of Patients' Organisations, believes that prioritising safety is not just a responsibility—it’s a moral imperative that shapes trust, outcomes and the future of healthcare. The importance of patient safety Patient safety refers to the prevention of errors and adverse effects associated with healthcare delivery. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of patients worldwide suffer from preventable harm due to unsafe care each year. These incidents can range from medication errors to hospital-acquired infections, surgical complications or misdiagnoses. The consequences are profound, affecting patients’ lives, increasing healthcare costs and eroding trust in medical systems. Ensuring patient safety requires a multifaceted approach that involves healthcare providers, administrators, policymakers and patients themselves. By fostering a culture of safety, we can minimise risks and create an environment where quality care thrives. Key strategies for improving patient safety and care To deliver exceptional care while safeguarding patients, healthcare systems must adopt evidence-based practices and innovative solutions. Here are some critical strategies to enhance patient safety: 1. Effective communication Clear and open communication among healthcare teams is vital. Miscommunication can lead to errors, such as administering the wrong medication or misinterpreting a patient’s condition. Standardised tools like SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) can improve handoffs and ensure critical information is shared accurately. 2. Robust training and education Continuous professional development ensures that healthcare workers stay updated on best practices and emerging technologies. Training programmes should emphasise error prevention, infection control and patient engagement. Empowering staff with knowledge builds confidence and competence in delivering safe care. 3. Leveraging technology Technology plays a transformative role in patient safety. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) reduce documentation errors, while barcode medication administration systems help verify medications before they reach patients. Additionally, artificial intelligence tools can predict risks, such as sepsis, enabling early interventions. 4. Patient empowerment Patients are active partners in their care. Encouraging them to ask questions, understand their treatment plans and report concerns fosters shared decision making. Educating patients about their medications and procedures can prevent errors and enhance adherence. 5. Creating a culture of safety A blame-free environment encourages healthcare workers to report errors or near-misses without fear of retribution. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) can identify systemic issues and drive improvements. Leadership must champion safety as a core value, setting the tone for the entire organisation. The role of compassion in patient care While systems and protocols are essential, the human element of care cannot be overlooked. Compassionate care builds trust and promotes healing. Listening to patients, respecting their dignity and addressing their fears create a therapeutic environment. When patients feel valued, they are more likely to engage in their treatment plans and communicate openly, reducing the risk of errors. Challenges and the path forward Despite progress, challenges like understaffing, resource constraints and burnout continue to threaten patient safety across the world. Addressing these requires investment in workforce development, equitable resource allocation and mental health support for healthcare workers. Collaboration between governments, healthcare institutions and communities is crucial to overcoming these barriers. Looking ahead, the integration of data analytics, telemedicine, and patient-reported outcomes will further revolutionise safety and care. By embracing innovation while staying grounded in empathy, we can build a healthcare system that is both safe and compassionate. A call to action Patient safety and care are shared responsibilities. As healthcare professionals, we must commit to continuous improvement, learning from mistakes and advocating for our patients. As patients, we should actively participate in our care and hold systems accountable. Together, we can create a future where every patient receives safe, high-quality care. Let’s work hand in hand to make patient safety not just a goal, but a reality.

This HIMSS flagship event is Europe’s leading digital health conference. With expert-led sessions, it’s a chance for health tech leaders to network, share ideas, discuss real-world data and build partnerships. Attendees include CIOs and senior executives, health providers and payers, C-Suite tech leaders and entrepreneurs, and government officials. You can find the programme for the event here. You can find registration details here.

Surgical teams are under growing pressure, from rising case complexity and elective backlogs to increasing care demands and system fragmentation. But is it possible to redesign surgical pathways to improve both outcomes and efficiency? And what does good clinical pathway management really look like? On Wednesday 16 April 2025, Surgery International will host a free online webinar exploring the future of clinical pathway management through the lens of perioperative medicine. The session will bring together leading voices in surgery and digital health to explore how we can build safer, smarter and more connected surgical pathways, without losing sight of individual patient needs. Register