Better analytics, virtual visits help enhance diabetes care

Medtronic’s CareLinkTM remote monitoring software is a web-based program that collects data directly from a patient’s Medtronic insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring system. It generates detailed reports that can be discussed during in-person or virtual visits with healthcare practitioners and is used to develop care plans.

Like many virtual tools in healthcare experiencing a surge in use since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, CareLink has been on the market for years. As diabetes clinics across Canada were forced to shut down in-person visits, however, the ability to effectively and efficiently embed virtual care in the patient pathway became a priority.

The province of Alberta was able to expedite adoption by reviewing the software for privacy and security compliance centrally, rather than every hospital having to do this separately. Now, Medtronic patients across the province have embraced virtual visits and are using CareLink to keep tabs on their diabetes.

Virtual visits have increased convenience for patients by decreasing travel time and costs (particularly for those who live outside of larger cities), as well as alleviating patient safety concerns about face-to-face visits during this time.