patientnear

Patientnear is a term used in health technology to describe systems, services, and practices aimed at delivering care and capturing health information in close proximity to the patient. It encompasses point-of-care testing, mobile health devices, home monitoring, and digital tools that enable clinicians, patients, and caregivers to interact near the point of care, rather than relying solely on centralized facilities.

Core concepts include near-patient data capture, rapid laboratory or vitals results from portable devices, and communication channels for real-time consultation. Patientnear approaches are implemented in clinics with point-of-care analyzers, in home health programs using patient portals and remote monitoring apps, and in mobile clinics serving underserved communities.

Technology and standards associated with patientnear emphasize interoperability with electronic health records, secure messaging, and privacy protections. Common features include streaming data from devices, alerting for abnormal values, and seamless integration with workflow systems to reduce turnaround times. Deployment requires attention to training, workflow integration, data quality, and regulatory compliance.

History and scope: The term began to appear in healthcare IT discussions during the rise of point-of-care testing and telemedicine in the 2010s and 2020s. While not a formal clinical category, patientnear describes a design philosophy that prioritizes proximity, immediacy, and patient engagement in care delivery.

See also near-patient testing, point-of-care testing, telemedicine, patient portal, health information technology.