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By collecting a rich variety of patient data, remote patient management (RPM) has the capacity to improve patient care in a number of innovative ways:
The types of data that can be gathered with RPM are varied, abundant, and unique. In a recent video from the RPM Academy, Care Innovations® Chief Clinical Officer Julie Cherry (RN, MSN) classifies these two sources of RPM data gathering: objective and subjective data. What’s the difference? Objective patient data involves measurable facts and information like vital signs or the results of a physical examination. Subjective patient data, according to Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, “are retrieved from” a “description of an event rather than from a physical examination.” And with remote patient management, both types of patient data are not only available but, with the right program in place, abundant. How RPM Tracks Objective and Subjective Patient DataRPM is specially designed to offer much objective patient data — the vital signs that are captured remotely, then provided to a doctor or caregiver. Vital signs are monitored via “passive sensors, sensors in the home, activity monitors, some of those implantable devices are now becoming more and more capable,” as Julie puts it in the video.
Yet subjective patient data — the descriptions offered by patients, and/or by their families and loved ones — is also central to the success of remote patient management. “How are you feeling today?” Julie asks. “Just being able to ask simple questions like that — but then also, being able to look at using passive sensors to track ADLs and IADLS” (i.e., “activities of daily living”). Julie goes on to offer examples of key questions caregivers can ask to gain insight into subjective patient data points:
“There's lots and lots of data that can be captured with remote patient management models in mind,” says Julie, “the activities of daily living, the vital signs, and the more broad, more important things like how do you feel today? Learn more about how RPM data can help your organization improve care delivery: Contact a Care Innovations representative now for your complimentary consultation. And don’t forget to check out theCare Innovations RPM Academy for more videos highlighting the many benefits of remote patient management.
During a health history, the nurse collects subjective data from the patient, their caregivers, and/or family members using focused and open-ended questions. Before discussing the components of a health history, let’s review some important concepts related to assessment and communicating effectively with patients. Obtaining a patient’s health history is a component of the Assessment phase of the nursing process. Information obtained while performing a health history is called subjective data. Subjective datais information obtained from the patient and/or family members and can provide important cues about functioning and unmet needs requiring assistance. Subjective data is considered a symptom because it is something the
patient reports. When documenting subjective data in a progress note, it should be included in quotation marks and start with verbiage such as, “The patient reports…” or “The patient’s wife states…” An example of subjective data is when the patient reports, “I feel dizzy.” A patient is considered the primary source of subjective data. Secondary sources of data include information from the patient’s chart, family members, or other
health care team members. Patients are often accompanied by their care partners. Care partners are family and friends who are involved in helping to care for the patient. For example, parents are care partners for children; spouses are often care partners for each other, and adult children are often care partners for their aging parents. When obtaining a health history, care partners may contribute important information related to the health and needs of the
patient. If data is gathered from someone other than the patient, the nurse should document where the information is obtained. Objective data is information observed through your senses of hearing, sight, smell, and touch while assessing the patient. Objective data is obtained during the physical examination component of the assessment process. Examples of objective data are vital signs, physical examination findings, and laboratory results. An example of
objective data is recording a blood pressure reading of 140/86. Subjective data and objective data are often recorded together during an assessment. For example, the symptom the patient reports, “I feel itchy all over,” is documented in association with the signof an observed raised red rash located on the upper back and chest. It is vital to establish rapport with a patient before asking questions about sensitive topics to obtain accurate data regarding the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a patient’s condition. When interviewing a patient, also consider the patient’s developmental status and level of understanding. Ask one question at a time and allow adequate time for the patient to respond. If the patient does not provide an answer
even with additional time, try rephrasing the question in a different way for improved understanding. If any barriers to communication exist, adapt your communication to that patient’s specific needs. For more information about potential communication barriers and strategies for adapting communication, visit the
“Communication” chapter in Open RN Nursing Fundamentals. It is important to conduct a health history
in a culturally safe manner. Cultural safety refers to the creation of safe spaces for patients to interact with health professionals without judgment or discrimination. Focus on factors related to a person’s cultural background that may influence their health status. It is helpful to use an open-ended question to allow the patient to share what they believe to be important. For example, ask “I am interested in your cultural background as it relates to your health.
Can you share with me what is important to know about your cultural background as part of your health care?” If a patient’s primary language is not English, it is important to obtain a medical translator, as needed, prior to initiating the health history. The patient’s family member or care partner should not interpret for the patient. The patient may not want their care partner to be aware of their health problems or their care partner may not be familiar with correct medical terminology
that can result in miscommunication. How do you obtain subjective data?Subjective data is gathered from the patient telling you something that you cannot use your five senses to measure. If a patient tells you they have had diarrhea for the past two days, that is subjective, you cannot know that information any other way besides being told that is what happened.
Can subjective data be from secondary source?Subjective data can come from a primary source (the patient) or a secondary source (patient's family, caregivers, or other team members).
Which source provides subjective information?A patient is considered the primary source of subjective data.
What type of data is considered subjective quizlet?Subjective data are spoken or reported information. Subjective data include symptoms that cannot be directly measured or observed by the nurse. Subjective data usually are gathered during the interview process if patients are well enough to describe their symptoms.
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