Development in technology is changing healthcare in many ways. IoT is one such technological advancement redefining the interactions between devices and people in delivering healthcare solutions.
When combined with AI and big data analytics, IoT holds the potential to disrupt the healthcare sector. Let us know more about it.
What is IoT?
IoT stands for Internet of Things. It refers to the ecosystem of devices that connect and exchange data with other devices over the internet. Any device with a sensor to collect data and connect to the internet is an IoT device.
IoT in Healthcare
In today’s day and age, IoT solutions are the ways of enhancing healthcare operations. They improve healthcare outcomes, cost, and efficiency.
The pandemic has dynamically increased the adoption of IoT technology in healthcare to bridge the gap between doctors and patients with remote patient monitoring, advanced and personalized care, effective telecommunication, etc.
According to the reports, the valuation of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) market is expected to reach $158 billion by 2022.
How does IoT work in healthcare?
Here is an IoT healthcare workflow example to help you understand better.
Few examples of medical IoT devices
- Remote monitoring devices
- Air quality sensors
- Wearables like fitness bands, smartwatches, etc.
- Asset monitoring devices for hospitals to track equipment
- Ingestible sensors
- Mood sensors
- Insulin pens and smart CGM (continuous glucose monitor)
- Smart video pills
- Brain swelling sensors etc.
Applications of IoT in Healthcare
- IoT for Patients
Remote monitoring devices to monitor BP, glucose, temperature, and other wearables give personalized attention to the patients. They help in the constant tracking of health conditions and get medical help when required, especially for elderly people.
IoT devices are also tuned to remind appointments, medications, exercise checks, etc. If there are any disturbances in routine activities, the device can alert family members and concerned healthcare providers.
- IoT for Physicians
Wearables and other remote monitoring IoT devices enable physicians to keep track of patients’ conditions effectively. They can decipher the need for immediate medical attention.
Data from IoT devices can help physicians provide advanced and personalized treatment. It also enables physicians to monitor critical patients in the hospital and non-critical patients remotely.
- IoT for Hospitals
IoT devices can help hospitals in remote monitoring of patients as well as medical equipment. They can track the real-time location of medical equipment like wheelchairs, oxygen pumps, etc. they can also track staff deployment.
IoT devices also help hospitals in asset management like monitoring the temperature of drug storage facilities, ICUs, etc.
- IoT for Health Insurance Companies
Health insurance companies can use the data from IoT devices for underwriting and claims operations. It will help them detect fraud claims and validate rightful claims based on IoT data. They can also incentivize customers to share IoT data. And reward them for adhering to treatment plans and taking precautionary health measures.
Advantages of IoT in healthcare
- IoT technology helps in providing quality treatment by keeping doctors and patients connected via remote monitoring and virtual visits.
- IoT enables proactive treatment based on regular health monitoring. It helps in early disease diagnosis and saves a patient’s life.
- IoT devices like smart pills dispensers help in tracking medication. They remind patients to take medicines on time.
- IoT healthcare devices facilitate the care of chronic diseases.
- IoT automates patient care workflow by data analysis and dissemination.
- It helps hospitals in asset management by tracking staff, medical equipment, pharmacy inventory, etc.
- It reduces inefficiency and errors.
- IoT lowers drug prices by optimizing the pharmaceutical manufacturing process.
- IoT reduces healthcare costs for patients by culling out unnecessary doctor visits, hospital stays, etc. It can also reduce costs for hospitals by streamlining the overall process.
Challenges of IoT in Healthcare
The adoption of IoT technology in healthcare is not without challenges.
- Data privacy and security
IoT devices capture sensitive health data of people and transfer it over the internet. It raises data security and data privacy concerns as sensitive data can be hacked and misused.
- The huge volume of data
The amount of health data captured by IoT devices is huge. And, not all the data captured during the day is useful. Such a huge volume of data is a big problem if not dealt with correctly.
- Increase in power consumption
All IoT devices require power to operate. It increases power consumption and adds fuel to the existing energy crisis.
- Impact on the environment
The manufacture of medical IoT devices requires the use of earth metals and toxic chemicals. The disposal of these devices also contributes to non-biodegradable waste and pollutes the environment.
To Conclude
Recent advancement in medical IoT devices has not only made real-time analysis possible. But, it has also supported healthcare organizations to deliver excellent healthcare at lower costs. By ensuring quality treatment and lower costs for patients, improving hospital processes and workflows, IoT is redefining healthcare.
However, IoT has its challenges that have to address, and effective solutions implement to avoid data misuse and energy and waste crises in the future.
