How IoT is improving the quality of Healthcare
IoT (Internet of Things) technology is penetrating deeply into everyday human life. Cars, kitchen appliances, and even heart rate monitors connected via the Internet into one network where they exchange data. For example, having received data from the alarm clock in your smartphone, an IoT coffee maker will know when you get up for work and brew coffee at your desired time, down to the minute.
However, one of the most promising areas for the implementation of IoT devices is in healthcare. According to a study, six out of ten global healthcare organizations are already using IoT devices.
There are several positive trends observed due to this:
- Medical staff are becoming more mobile.
- The process of collecting, transferring, and analyzing patient data, as well as making a diagnosis, is accelerated.
- The effectiveness of medical care is increasing.
IoT Devices for Patients
Patient monitoring sensors are the area where IoT comes the most in handy. Being placed in operating theatres, intensive care units, and post-surgery rooms, these devices will monitor the vitals of patients, and in case of dangerous situations, immediately notify doctors.
Such devices will help not only doctors and patients but also their relatives. For example, if a patient is going to have a difficult operation, an online location sensor can be attached to the patient’s body, to which their family can immediately know when the surgery is finished and receive its results.
A special sensor-based inpatient monitoring platform is being used which reads the patient’s vital signs round the clock and allows the medical staff to instantly respond to deterioration. In the future, there are plans to equip patients with such devices in cardiology and intensive care departments.
Another good example is a wearable device, which can predict a forthcoming epileptic seizure.
In many regions, there is still no easily accessible medical care. The transition to telemedicine has become an effective solution for this situation. A patient far away from any clinic or hospital is able to consult with a doctor in real-time and receive the necessary assistance before going to a medical facility.
Medical Equipment With IoT Technology
Monitoring sensors for hospital equipment can significantly improve the quality of medical services. Due to limited budgets, medical facilities can’t afford frequent replacements of necessary equipment. As a result, outdated equipment is in constant need of repairs.
IoT sensors can assess the state of the equipment and inform engineers about defects. This will allow for a quicker response time to breakdowns.
IoT devices can also help in monitoring the condition of the hospital premises. For instance, the sensor will take temperature readings in laboratories, freezers, and wards. If the temperature deviates from the norm, it will be possible to return it to the desired level remotely via Wi-Fi.
When transporting medicines that require a certain temperature, refrigerators with similar sensors can be useful. They will maintain the necessary temperature independently.
The Role of IoT in Medical Facility Management
IoT can also be deployed in solving the administrative and management challenges of the hospital. For instance, with the help of IoT devices, it is possible to keep track of the number of pharmaceuticals, the condition of the equipment, as well as identify the need to purchase replacements.
The Netherlands is already adopting a similar strategy. One hospital has a network that allows its staff to view available equipment and get quick access to patient data. This helps to avoid confusion and reduces the waiting time for medical procedures.
Navigation in huge hospital complexes is a challenge for patients and their families. A special application can help them find the required doctor’s office or ward by creating a route inside the building.
In Conclusion:
The future of IoT is extremely promising. The recent events have only highlighted the potential of harnessing IoT, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for their improved efficiency and the factor of safety they offer in the field of healthcare — even in times of unimaginable crisis as that of COVID-19.
At NeoSOFT, we empower businesses and healthcare by helping them leverage the right IoT technology that suits their requirement and needs. Our experts work end-to-end on solutions that go beyond the realm of problem-solving and strive to provide meaningful value-addition. Contact us to discuss your ideas and we will realise them with an uncompromising promise of efficiency and safety.
Source: https://dzone.com/articles/iot-in-healthcare-how-this-technology-will-improve