Oxford County Paramedic Services and health partners have exceeded the target for number of patients helped while achieving a 97% satisfaction rate

Oxford County’s Community Paramedicine Remote Patient Monitoring program is improving patient outcomes and quality of life for patients and caregivers in its first two years of operation, exceeding the target for number of patients helped and achieving a 97% satisfaction rate from patients as of April 2024.

Launched in August 2022 by Oxford County Paramedic Services in partnership with the Oxford Ontario Health Team (OHT), the program allows paramedics to provide in-home health checks and remotely monitor the health condition of community members who frequently call on emergency services. Remote monitoring patients range in age from 22 to 98 years old and typically have moderate to severe chronic diseases, such as Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, hypertension and diabetes.

Through Remote Patient Monitoring, which uses in-home technology to monitor a patient’s vital signs and physical symptoms, Paramedic Services and its health partners improve quality of life for patients at high risk of hospitalization and empowers them to become partners in their treatment plans, leading to healthier lifestyles.

By better integrating and expanding the role of paramedics in the healthcare system, the program has helped divert calls to 911, reduce hospital and emergency department visits, and provide healthcare savings.

The program enrolled 133 patients in its first six months of operation and has served more than 350 patients since the launch of the program. Findings and positive results from Oxford’s program were presented at the International Journal for Integrated Care Conference in Belfast, Ireland in April by Razan Amoud, Researcher and Oxford OHT fellow.

To submit a request form to join the Remote Patient Monitoring program, look for the form and contact information at www.oxfordcounty.ca/ems.

Comment

Ryan Hall, Chief, Oxford County Paramedic Services

“The Oxford Community Paramedicine Remote Monitoring Program is making a real difference in our community by improving quality of life for patients and caregivers, who now spend less time in the emergency room and hospitals and more time at home. Particularly in our rural communities, this collaboration with our health care partners is making an impact in extending the reach of medical services.”

Teresa Martins, Executive Project Lead, Oxford Ontario Health Team

“The success of Oxford's Remote Patient Monitoring Program is a testament to what can be achieved when local healthcare providers work together towards a common goal. Exceeding our patient targets while achieving a 97% satisfaction rate underscores the positive impact of this integrated approach on our community's health.”

Quick facts

• The majority of patients in the Remote Patient Monitoring Program (91%) have one of four chronic diseases of interest: congestive heart failure, coronary obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and/or hypertension. The average age of patients in the program is 77.
• There was a 69% reduction in 911 calls and a 72% reduction in emergency department visits six months after the program launch compared to the six months before the program’s implementation.
• 72% of patients indicated less need for 911 or Emergency Department visits after joining the Remote Patient Monitoring Program.

About Oxford County 

Located in southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 135,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” A partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is committed to 100% renewable energy, zero waste, zero poverty, and being 100% housed. Oxford County is situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, with a diversified local economy that is home to an innovative agricultural industry, leading automotive manufacturers, and the Oxford County Cheese Trail. Oxford also offers a thriving local arts and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The County’s Strategic Plan puts forward a vision of “Working together for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future.” The Oxford County Administration Building is in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca, follow us on social media, or download our Facts and Stats to learn more.