With new viruses coming into existence, we are approaching a world where basic medical facilities might become inaccessible to the masses. Though it is impossible to eradicate them, with the help of technology, ultimately, we can make health care efficient and accessible to the masses. IoT in Healthcare is one such technology that is helping health care providers to provide pocket-friendly and effective services.
Diagnostics is one major part of medical facilities and one of the significant contributors to the enormous medical bills. But with technology like IoT in health care, we can get numerous benefits like improved quality treatment with enhanced accuracy.
It is worth mentioning the benefits and some of the examples of IoT healthcare. But first of all, let’s discuss what IoT is?
What is IoT?
IoT represents the Internet of things. IoT can be anything that uses the Internet to transfer information with other devices. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to inter-related and internet-associated items that can collect information over an organization without human interference.
A ‘thing’ in IoT can be anything as small as a pencil or as big as an airplane. It can be any article equipped with sensors that can collect and share information over a network.
Initially, IoT was a tiny thing, but now it has grown bigger. Cisco estimates that the number will grow to 3.6 by 2023 from 2.4 internet-connected devices per person in 2018.
Can IoT be used in Healthcare?
Healthcare IoT advancements can help ease numerous healthcare field challenges. Before IoT, the interaction between a patient and a doctor is possible through visits and telecommunications. It was not possible to monitor a patient’s health continuously.
However, IoT-enabled devices help in making remote monitoring possible for healthcare persons. IoT empowers doctors to provide better services unleashing the prospectives to keep patients healthy and safe.
How can we use IoT in Healthcare?
IoT healthcare applications are worth discussing when we are talking about healthcare IoT. Some of the applications are
For doctors:
Doctors can use IoT-enabled devices to keep track of a patient’s health and keep track of patients’ activities to check if they are adhering to the prescribed treatment. They can even check if the patient needs any change in the treatment plan. IoT helps doctors to be more watchful. Doctors can use data collected from IoT to decide the best possible treatment for their patients and get the desired results.
For Patients:
Gadgets such as wearables like fitness bands and other remotely connected gadgets like B.P. and pulse checking cuffs, glucometer, and so forth offer access to patients for special attention if needed. Patients can tune these gadgets to remind them about carbohydrate levels, exercises, B.P. fluctuations, and more.
IoT has transformed people, particularly older patients, with constant health condition tracking. It affects individuals living alone and their families. On any changes in the ordinary conditions of an individual, health care IoT devices convey messages to relatives and concerned physicians.
For Hospitals:
Aside from checking patients’ wellbeing, there are numerous regions where IoT devices are essential in hospitals. IoT devices with sensors follow continuously locating equipment like wheelchairs, nebulizers, oxygen cylinders, and other items.
Infection spreading is a crucial issue for patients in hospitals. IoT-empowered cleanliness checking gadgets help in keeping patients from contracting the infection.
Examples
Diabetes control
Diabetes control with automated insulin delivery system. Health care IoT devices keep a check of the blood sugar level of the patients and deliver the correct composition of Insulin to the patients.
Senior Care and Independence
IoT can likewise empower older adults to keep up with their independence with remote checking. There are use cases for assisting with incontinence, asking for help in a crisis, and fall recognition.
Automated Surgeries
Utilizing IoT, specialists can perform complex surgeries with mechanical medical procedures. These surgeries will generally have minor cuts, less pain, and quicker patient healing time.
Tracking with IoT
IoT makes it easier to track inventory, staff, and the number of patients. Using IoT within any medical surroundings is known as “indoor G.P.S..” There are various devices and applications available for tracking in medical surroundings.
Wearables
Several wearables are available for keeping track of the patient’s health for any chronic disease. They help record readings, observe patterns, and send alerts in any emergency.
Benefits
Lesser cost
IoT-enabled monitoring of patients results in less cost than the traditional system as it helps cut down on the number of visits by the patient.
Faster Diagnosis
With the help of real-time data and continuous patient monitoring, it becomes easier to diagnose the disease at an early stage.
Better treatment
Information collected with the help of IoT-enabled devices helps the doctors to reach a decision and decide the best possible treatment method.
Reduced Errors
The information generated by IoT devices helps in smooth healthcare services with lesser errors and better treatment.
Challenges
Reliable connectivity
Network failure in devices that real-time record data is not acceptable. Maintaining connectivity is one of the biggest challenges for health care IoT devices.
Cyber Security
It is well-known that being connected to the Internet is always at risk of hacking. Health care IoT needs to be secured with ample layers of security as it is crucial and sensitive; also, it can be life-threatening.
Platform
Healthcare persons should be able to use the devices properly and conveniently.
It requires a versatile, adaptable, and easy-to-use IoT platform that can adjust to clear use cases, ideally with a solid team to help with arrangement plans and ensure a smooth reconciliation.
Future
While numerous businesses are entering the field of advancements and embracing the IoT, numerous business IoT applications further develop activities or develop an upper hand. IoT in medical services is exciting due to its particular potential to work on the wellbeing, security, and personal satisfaction of individuals all over the place.