In 2025, one of the biggest conversations in global health systems is how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming remote patient monitoring (RPM). As Nigeria works to improve access to quality care, especially in rural areas. AI presents a powerful opportunity to bridge critical gaps in care delivery.

For resident doctors, especially those in internal medicine, public health, or family medicine rotations, understanding AI-powered RPM is more than “tech talk”—it’s about preparing for a smarter, more efficient future in medicine.

‍

What Is Remote Patient Monitoring, and Why Is AI Important?

Remote Patient Monitoring refers to the use of digital technologies (like wearables, mobile apps, and home monitoring kits) to collect and transmit health data from patients to healthcare providers in real-time. Think blood pressure cuffs that send readings via Bluetooth, or apps that track glucose levels for diabetic patients.

Now, when you combine this with AI, things become even more efficient. AI tools don’t just collect the data—they analyze it, flag risks, spot trends, and even predict complications before they occur.

For a resident doctor trying to manage multiple patients during clinical postings, AI-supported RPM can significantly improve patient outcomes while reducing administrative fatigue.

‍

How AI Is Already Enhancing RPM

Here are the real-world ways AI is being integrated into RPM, both globally and increasingly in Africa:

1. Predictive Analytics for Early Interventions
   AI systems can track vital signs and behaviors to predict events like heart failure or diabetic shock before symptoms fully manifest. This allows doctors to act early—potentially saving lives.
   
   
2. Personalized Care Plans
   By analyzing each patient’s history and behavior, AI can suggest tailored medication plans, lifestyle modifications, and risk assessments.
   
   
3. Automated Alerts for Clinicians
   Instead of checking dozens of dashboards, resident doctors can receive auto-generated alerts for abnormal readings (e.g., sudden BP spikes).
   
   
4. AI-Powered Chatbots & Virtual Assistants
   Tools like HealthTap or Babylon Health are integrating AI to help patients answer basic health questions and remind them to take medications.
   
   
5. Chronic Disease Management
   AI can monitor chronic illnesses like asthma or COPD, providing trend insights that would take human teams hours to interpret.
   
   

‍

Nigeria’s RPM Landscape: What’s the Potential?

Platforms like Helium Health, 54gene, and MDaaS Global are already working on tech-driven healthcare delivery in Nigeria. As infrastructure improves, AI-backed RPM is likely to become mainstream in major hospitals and HMOs, especially as the government and private health sector focus more on telehealth solutions post-COVID.

Resident doctors in tertiary hospitals or urban clinics may soon find themselves interacting with AI dashboards, wearable device data, and automated patient updates.

‍

What Resident Doctors Should Start Doing

If you're a resident doctor in Nigeria, here's how to prepare:

• Take free AI & digital health courses on platforms like Coursera, WHO Academy, or Udemy.
  
  
• Follow reputable journals like the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) or The Lancet Digital Health for trends.
  
  
• Advocate for RPM tools in your clinical units—especially for patients with poor follow-up compliance.
  
  
• Engage with interdisciplinary teams: Collaborate with IT staff, digital health consultants, and data scientists to build local solutions.
  
  

‍

What to Watch Out For

• Data Privacy Concerns: Ensure any AI tool complies with Nigeria’s NDPR (Nigeria Data Protection Regulation).
  
  
• Bias in AI Models: If datasets used to train these models don’t include African patients, predictions may be inaccurate.
  
  

Limited Infrastructure: Not all hospitals have the power supply, internet strength, or funding to support AI integration—yet.