Elderly neurological patients open to in-home remote monitoring
A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland Business School found that elderly neurological patients are generally receptive to in-home remote monitoring technologies, even in the pre-implementation phase. These technologies are particularly appealing to elderly patients who wish to age in their own homes while maintaining their independence. [1] [2]
Home-based remote monitoring utilizes digital health technologies, such as wearable devices and mobile health applications, to track key health metrics, including activity levels, sleep patterns, and heart rate, and securely transmit this data to healthcare professionals.
In particular, remote monitoring with wearable devices offers an opportunity to complement the clinical assessment and help clinicians get a more holistic view of a patient’s condition over an extended period and at home. The measurement in a familiar in-home environment allows to best capture a patient’s day-to-day condition, enabling the development of highly personalized treatment plans for optimal symptom control.
Regular assessments of the patient’s symptoms allow clinicians to identify patterns and trends and better understand the progression of the disease. Regular measurement also helps clinicians to objectively monitor the treatment's effectiveness and maintain a better care balance for the patient. Studies show that continuous monitoring plays a crucial role in the treatment quality a patient receives. Additionally, continuous monitoring with wearable devices significantly reduces healthcare system costs and raises patient satisfaction. [3]
According to the study by the University of Eastern Finland Business School, patients living with a caregiver were more inclined to accept remote monitoring compared to those living alone. Additionally, patients with higher education levels were more open to remote monitoring, and the presence of a caregiver during clinic visits correlated with greater openness to adopting remote monitoring solutions. Factors such as age, gender, and place of residence appeared to have no significant impact on the acceptance of remote monitoring at home. [1]
The study, conducted at the neurosurgery unit of the Kuopio University Hospital in Finland, involved 30 patients diagnosed with a neurological condition. The findings were published in the Home Healthcare Management & Practice journal, contributing insights into digital health adoption among elderly patients with chronic illnesses.
References
[1] Azim Zadegan, M., Aromaa, E., Sahlström, R., Montonen, T., Eriksson, P., & Leinonen, V. (2025). Remote monitoring acceptance in elderly neurological patients: Examining sociodemographic factors in the pre-implementation phase. Home Health Care Management & Practice, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10848223251324598
[2] University of Eastern Finland. (2025). Elderly neurological patients are open to in-home remote monitoring. https://www.uef.fi/en/article/elderly-neurological-patients-are-open-to-in-home-remote-monitoring
[3] AlMahadin, G., Lotfi, A., Zysk, E., Siena, F. L., McCarthy, M., & Breedon, P. (2020). Parkinson’s disease: Current assessment methods and wearable devices for evaluation of movement disorder motor symptoms – a patient and healthcare professional perspective. BMC Neurology, 20(1), 419. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-020-01996-7