IoT in healthcare is driving a major transformation in the medical industry, with a focus on improving patient care and treatment. By enabling remote patient monitoring and analysis of extensive medical data, IoT technology is facilitating better diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases. In this article, we will examine the pivotal role of IoT in revolutionising healthcare and its impact on patient outcomes and healthcare services.

What is the Internet of Medical Things?

IoT in healthcare, also known as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), encompasses a network of medical devices and sensors that are internet-connected and can exchange data with each other and healthcare providers. This network includes wearable devices, medical equipment, implantable devices, and sensors that monitor patients’ health and transmit real-time data to medical professionals.

The potential for IoMT to transform the healthcare industry is significant, including improving patient outcomes, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs. Wearable devices, for example, can provide doctors with remote patient monitoring data to track progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary. IoMT can also enable healthcare providers to identify potential health concerns before they become critical, leading to better preventive care.

IoT in Healthcare: Revolutionising the Medical Industry

IoT in healthcare is driving transformation by enhancing patient care and streamlining healthcare operations. IoT-enabled devices are being used by hospitals to monitor patients’ vital signs and medication intake, enabling medical professionals to promptly address any issues that may arise. Moreover, IoT can automate various processes within healthcare facilities. For instance, smart hospital beds can automatically adjust to patients’ needs, reducing the need for manual adjustments by nurses. Similarly, smart medication dispensers can ensure that patients receive the correct dosage of medication at the right time, lowering the risk of errors.

Despite the benefits, there are concerns about the security and privacy of IoT devices in healthcare. These devices collect and transmit sensitive medical data, highlighting the need for robust security measures to safeguard against hackers or unauthorised access.

Here are some of the ways in which IoT is transforming healthcare:

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

IoT in healthcare is transforming the medical industry in numerous ways, including through remote patient monitoring (RPM). RPM is a significant application of IoT technology in healthcare that enables medical professionals to collect vital medical data from patients, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, even when patients are not physically present at a healthcare facility. IoT-enabled devices like wearables, sensors, and mobile applications allow for the continuous monitoring of patient health in real-time, enabling healthcare providers to identify potential health issues and intervene promptly.

The benefits of RPM are vast, including reduced hospitalisation rates, improved patient outcomes, and increased patient engagement. Healthcare providers can remotely track patient health and identify potential health issues before they become critical, leading to timely intervention and reduced healthcare costs. Patients can also benefit from RPM by having greater control over their health and receiving personalised care tailored to their specific needs.

Chronic Disease Management

The use of IoT in healthcare is transforming the management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. By leveraging IoT-enabled devices like glucose monitors and inhalers, healthcare providers can continuously monitor patient health and gain valuable insights into disease management. Real-time data collection allows providers to adjust treatment plans, detect potential complications, and deliver personalised care to patients.

Chronic disease management using IoT technology has the potential to reduce healthcare costs significantly. By enabling healthcare providers to track patient health remotely and detect potential complications early, IoT technology can reduce hospitalisation rates, emergency room visits, and the overall cost of care. Patients can also benefit from improved disease management and better health outcomes, leading to a higher quality of life.

Preventive Care

Internet of Things technology is also enabling preventive care by providing valuable insights into patient health and lifestyle. Wearables, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, enable patients to track their physical activity, sleep patterns, and diet, leading to better health outcomes. Healthcare providers can use this data to develop personalised wellness plans, identify potential health risks, and promote healthy lifestyle choices.

Preventive care using IoT technology has several benefits, including reduced healthcare costs, improved patient outcomes, and increased patient engagement. By providing patients with valuable insights into their health and lifestyle, IoT technology can help prevent the onset of chronic diseases, leading to a healthier population and reduced healthcare costs.

Medical Research

“IoT in healthcare” is facilitating medical research by enabling the collection and analysis of vast amounts of medical data. Wearables and sensors can collect real-time data on patient health, including vital signs, sleep patterns, and physical activity. This data can then be analysed to identify potential health risks, develop personalised treatment plans, and advance medical research.

“IoT in healthcare” technology has the potential to significantly accelerate medical research, leading to better treatments and improved patient outcomes. By collecting vast amounts of medical data, this technology can identify potential health risks and develop personalised treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. It can also facilitate the development of new drugs and therapies, leading to better treatment options for patients.

Benefits of IoT in Healthcare Industry

The Internet of Things has brought forth a new era of connectivity, with devices equipped with sensors being able to interact with the physical world and send data to the internet. The IoT in healthcare is proving to be a game-changer, enabling fast response times and even life-saving interventions.

IoT healthcare gadgets can gather passive data that can be transmitted to the cloud, where healthcare providers can access and analyse it for decision-making. Such services not only improve patient outcomes but also increase healthcare personnel’s efficiency and streamline their workflows, leading to better overall healthcare delivery. By 2025, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) industry is projected to reach a value of $1.1 trillion.

IoT in Healthcare: Remote Monitoring Improving Patient Outcomes

The use of IoT in healthcare has been shown to improve patient outcomes, as evidenced by a report based on data prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report suggested that routine monitoring of hospitalised patients using continuous pulse oximetry and heart rate devices was associated with reduced mortality. The study, which involved over 126,000 patient discharges between 2007 and 2017, found that early recognition of hypoxemia and respiratory depression were largely responsible for the observed decrease in mortality, from 0 deaths among 111,487 patients in monitored units versus 3 deaths among 15,209 patients in unmonitored units.

Continuous remote monitoring of hospitalised patients treated in general medical settings not only improves outcomes but also reduces the burden on staff by automating the task of obtaining and documenting patients’ vital signs. Advances in technology, such as wireless monitors, cloud-based platforms and telemedicine, have made it feasible to monitor patients in skilled nursing facilities or remotely to avoid hospitalisations.

This study demonstrates that IoT in healthcare has the potential to revolutionise patient monitoring and care delivery, particularly during pandemics such as COVID-19. By leveraging remote monitoring technology, health systems can improve outcomes, decrease the burden on staff, and provide better care for patients.

Read more: https://wonderit.io/iot-the-next-frontier-of-technology/

Summary

IoT in healthcare is driving a revolution in the industry, enabling significant advancements in patient care and treatment. From remote patient monitoring to chronic disease management, IoT technology is transforming healthcare delivery, resulting in improved patient outcomes and reduced costs. With real-time patient data at their fingertips, healthcare providers can provide timely interventions and personalised care, leading to better health outcomes. If you’re considering implementing an IoT solution in your healthcare business, don’t hesitate to contact us at wonderit@wonderit.io for assistance.