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IoT devices and applications are constantly evolving in response to the changing demands of the digital age. Forward-thinking IoT vendors create innovative solutions to improve convenience, comfort, and security wherever opportunities exist. There are always new opportunities for IoT innovation within the healthcare industry. IoT vendors are constantly looking for new ways to solve medical facilities' unique challenges.
IoT can be used in healthcare to provide environmental controls, security solutions, wearable sensors, and cloud-connected medical equipment. IoT's positive impact on healthcare is transformative, improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of care. You can jump straight to a topic or scroll down to continue reading.
What is IoT?
IoT is short for the Internet of Things. IoT refers to any device that connects to the Internet to control a process, send or receive data, or exchange information. IoT used to be a niche industry, but connected devices outnumber human beings today. Cisco projects that there will be 3.6 network-connected devices per 1 person in 2023. In 2018, there were only 2.4.
The popularity of consumer IoT devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home is on the rise. Around 44% of the world's population owns smartphones, an estimated 3.5 billion. The Internet of Things is used by most people every day. Many applications are available across all industries, including healthcare, education, data centers and hospitality.
Is IoT Possible in Healthcare?
IoT is an excellent fit for healthcare. IoT solutions can address many of the common problems in healthcare settings. IoT platforms can connect multiple systems and bring together data from different sources. Continue reading to learn more about what IoT means in healthcare and how it can be applied to healthcare.
What is IoT in Healthcare?
The Internet of Things in Healthcare refers to all connected devices used in a clinic, hospital, or another medical setting. Common IoT devices include digital signage, smart thermostats and automated lighting. Some of these devices can play an important role in patients' safety, comfort, and care when used in healthcare settings.
IoT technology for healthcare could also refer to medical devices integrated into an IoT framework. IoT devices specifically designed for healthcare can be distinguished from IoT technology in general by using the terms medical IoT (IoMT) and Internet of Medical Things(IoMT).
What is the Medical IoT (or Internet of Medical Things)?
IoMT, or Medical Internet of Things, refers to connected medical sensors and smart patient monitoring devices. By integrating IoT technology into conventional medical devices, doctors can more efficiently monitor and manage various patient care-related elements. IoT has many benefits and uses for various industries and environments. IoT devices are often more convenient and comfortable for users. IoT in healthcare may provide this comfort component while offering security and health-tracking benefits for patients and providers.
IoMT is an emerging niche in IoT, and there are many things to learn. There are several proven methods for using IoT devices within medical environments. IoMT devices can be combined with IoT standard solutions like smart locks, digital signage, smart lighting, and other smart sensors to create a healthcare environment optimized for patient comfort and care. Two interfaces make up IoMT: the home-care unit (or healthcare terminal). Data sharing between patients and medical facilities is made possible by medical IoT apps. Both must participate in their interaction.
Patient Side
The following equipment should be available to monitor patients remotely:
- Image registration takes photos of documents and is used to scan.
- A wearable device that measures BP, ECG, and oxygen in the blood.
- Mobile or web app user interface.
- Digital data is converted into electrical signals by the modem.
Physician side
In the same way, the medical worker must have all the necessary equipment to analyze and receive patient data.
- Remote monitoring via the doctor interface.
- The modem can receive real-time data via an internal network between remote patients and clinics.
- A medical camera that has document, auxiliary, and main cameras.
The internal network and patient and physician functionality are also used for data analytics and remote monitoring.
Use of IoT in Healthcare
IoT can be used in several healthcare settings. There are also many ideas and plans for the future. IoT applications and IoMT are continually evolving as technology advances.
Why It Matters And What Iot Stands For
It is not a new idea to add intelligent behavior to inanimate objects. Humanity has long wished to use machines to increase wealth, improve manufacturing volumes, or relieve the monotony of manual labor. The Internet of Things (or Internet of Things) is a global network of interconnected computing devices. It allows billions of devices to be connected and work together in tandem. We enable electronic devices to communicate with each other without human interference by adding data perceiving and internet connections to various equipment items.
Information is often called "the modern oil", but IoT can also be called "the oil pumps", which help extract and transform information into something useful. Cloud computing is a popular company choice due to its cost-savings, data availability, flexibility, and scalability.
The Secret To The Widespread Acceptance Of Iot
Statistics predict a rise in IoT-connected devices to 30 billion by 2025. This is a staggering figure. IoT's fascinating feature is that almost any object with affordable attributes can be a part. Let's be honest. This article will refer to IoT items that don't usually have an internet connection. This means that even though a laptop and a mobile phone have all the IoT features, we are leaving them out of this article.
Why is IoT so Flexible?
It is difficult to underestimate the impact and spread of IoT. It is often compared to an enormous robot that we depend on and can be difficult to adapt to. It is amazing to see the variety of devices that can be included in IoT. All of them can benefit from the IoT concept, whether tiny sensors or huge manufacturing machines.
This has created untapped opportunities in a variety of industries:
- Transportation & Logistics
- Manufacturing
- Sports & Fashion
- Utilities
- Smart Cities
Now it is time to focus our attention on the medical IoT and the benefits of IoT for healthcare.
Iot Is Becoming The Internet Of Medical Devices
It is easy to compare the human body and a machine. The performance of these machines inevitably impacts our lives. We can further compare it by identifying its components and determining which parts to replace to make the machine work properly. You can call it 'diagnosis'. The human body differs from a machine tool and cannot be reassembled easily.
The risk of unintended effects on other processes is high. Therefore, ioT adoption in healthcare is more complex if treatments directly impact the body. Healthcare is the most challenging area for IoT, and it raises the stakes because we are referring to people's lives. Let's look at some of the uses of the Internet for medical items and the advancements it has already made in this important industry.
Real-Time Locating Of Patients And Equipment
More advantages than you can be gained from a simple GPS tracker connected to the Internet. It can track equipment and other vital information for hospital patients, staff, visitors, and others. It is simple to locate the nearest wheelchair or stretcher that is accessible. You can even plot a path to the nearby cafe or pharmacy. To provide the best care, a therapist will always be aware of where patients are with heart disease to ensure they can get the most timely help.
Health Monitoring
The applications of IoT can be used in healthcare, similar to the use of sports wearables. You can see your current state by measuring blood pressure, temperature, heartbeat, and other parameters. It's rare for medical professionals to inject IoT devices directly into patients, unlike in the case of fitness. This allows doctors to gather precise information about the patient's oxygen levels and blood glucose, as well as any other measurements that cannot be accessed externally.
Drug Delivery
Because of their small size, IoT devices can be microscopic. They can still provide the required functionality. Nano-drug delivery systems will continue to guide the future of IoT healthcare. They increase the efficiency of treatment and reduce side effects. The global market shows that there will be an increasing interest in this area no matter where you are located.
Treatment for Lethal Diseases
Cancer and other diseases have been a major challenge for humanity. Millions are fighting to live with the symptoms. IoT-based symptom tracker apps have given patients more freedom and increased confidence that they will receive immediate assistance. These devices can send notifications to patients' physicians, showing the exact picture of treatment progress.
IoT To Medical Insurance Companies
These devices can be connected to the Internet to medical items to provide insurance companies with objective data to improve risk assessment processes and bring transparency between customers and insurers. It can detect fraud and provide adequate visibility in any situation.
What Is The Impact Of IoT On Healthcare?
Research estimates investments will reach $170 billion within the next few years. This is unsurprising as health remains the number one priority for most people. However, it is easy to see how IoT can help healthcare.
Every person is unique in their history and reaction to stimulants. Each case is unique and requires careful evaluation. However, IoT healthcare market trends remain positive. Let's look at another example. A study predicts a smaller IoT market share in medical devices will grow by $70+ billion over the next five years.
Why are IoT investments in the healthcare market so high?
IoT in healthcare has many benefits. It can make it easier for patients and doctors to do their jobs, make diagnoses more accurate, and reduce wait times. It's even better to say that IoT can be used to improve the patient's health. Electronic health recording is a popular direction in smart healthcare. It allows medical startups access and adds to IoT healthcare market trends. Another example is healthcare insurance services and applications.
Let's now look at some of these spheres which indicate the blossoming future of IoT in healthcare.
Top 3 Iot Healthcare Market Perspectives
Robotic Systems That Are IoT-Aided
Robotic surgery is now a reality thanks to AI and advanced medical equipment. Robotic equipment based on AI has demonstrated greater efficiency in delicate surgeries and reduced time required for patients' recovery. These robots can also be integrated into larger-scale IoT systems. They can be interconnected with actuators and sensors from various IoT devices to provide a valuable extension to the Internet of medical items.
Smart Hospitals Are The Future Of IoT Healthcare
Smart means to be paperless, secure, efficient, and cost-saving. Cloud storage and management of data can help you save time and make it easier to communicate with patients and physicians, whether they are in person or remotely. Study predicts that the global market for smart hospitals will exceed $100 billion by 2026. Given the immense benefits of smart hospitals, it would be surprising that these estimates are far too modest to reflect reality.
Elderly Care 24 Hours A Day
It is well-known that the world's population is getting older. In the next few decades, the number of people over 60 is expected to triple. Nursery homes are not the best option for active aging. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to provide 24/7 monitoring. IoT in healthcare apps allows medical professionals to remotely access the patient's health status and provide a substitute for full-time residential care. The collected data can even be used to prevent future health problems.
Read More:
Is IoT and IoE the same?
What Are The Healthcare Applications Of IoT?
IoT can be used by hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities to improve patient comfort and doctor decision-making and make healthcare environments safer and more comfortable for staff and patients. These are just a few IoT-based healthcare applications that can lead to better outcomes.
IoT Use Case 1: How IoT Improves Patient Outcomes and Comfort
Patients can feel uncomfortable in hospitals and other care facilities. A study published in the Journal of Health Environments Research and Design showed that patients and their families valued privacy and accessibility, as well as comfort in hospital rooms. Another priority was security. Studies have shown that increasing patient comfort can result in less stress and quicker recovery.
Smart thermostats and customizable lighting controls for hospital rooms offer greater comfort and control for patients and care providers. Brightening a room facilitates caregiving tasks. Dimming the lights can make the room more comfortable and peaceful for patients. Automated shades provide similar lighting control and allow patients to enjoy the health-enhancing mood effects of a sunny day.
Bed sensors can monitor sleep patterns and alert staff if there is a problem. Although a patient in distress might not be able to alert staff, a bed sensor can detect sudden movements to notify a doctor/nurse automatically. A bed sensor can be connected to the lighting system in the patient's bedroom or an indicator light outside the room. Wearable technology, which provides real-time information and trends about possible health problems, is another IoT solution that can help improve patient outcomes.
IoT Use Case 2: How IoT Helps Doctors Make Better Decisions
IoT systems and devices can help doctors make better medical decisions and provide better patient care. IoMT devices, such as connected medical sensors, allow data collection without needing a physical exam.
Remote health monitoring is possible with wearable IoT technology. Doctors can track vital signs, activity levels and other information to help them adjust treatment plans or make other interventions. These wearable IoMT devices are:
- Devices that provide real-time location data and vital sign reports are designed to improve safety for patients with Alzheimer's and dementia.
- Smart belts that detect falls.
- Smart pills or tiny sensors that can be swallowed and report information about the patient's stomach fluids are called smart pills.
An IoT system that uploads data to the cloud instantly and directly from devices can create reports and compile information, which allows doctors to spot trends quickly. Specialists can also collaborate faster and with more detail because they have quicker access to data.
IoT Use Case 3: How IoT Makes Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities More Safe
Many traditional IoT security options can be used to make hospitals and healthcare facilities safer.
- Smart locks and security systems allow protocols to be applied according to pre-set programs, such as lockdown situations.
- IoT maintenance sensors alert facility managers of possible dangerous leaks or other hazards.
- Temperature sensors make sure that food, blood, and medication are safe.
- Occupancy sensors monitor waiting areas and alert staff when there is near capacity. This allows critical patients to be diverted to other hospitals.
- Hospitals are easier to find using digital wayfinding systems.
- The automated UV disinfection system makes waiting rooms and common areas more secure and sanitary.
What Are The Healthcare Benefits Of IoT?
IoT has many benefits for healthcare:
- Patient comfort and convenience increase patient satisfaction, which leads to faster recovery times and better patient satisfaction.
- IoT devices in healthcare, wearable technology, and data access enable physicians to monitor patients more precisely and provide better-informed care.
- IoT security systems improve safety for patients, doctors, and staff.
- UV light sanitation systems prevent disease and keep areas clean.
Future-proofing is another benefit of IoT smart hospital solutions. While there is an initial cost associated with setting up an IoT infrastructure, installing devices, and training staff on software systems, this investment only grows over time. Adding new IoMT devices is simple once an IoT ecosystem has been established. A smart hospital that is IoT-enabled will be years ahead of similar facilities that do not implement IoT solutions and devices.
What Are The Challenges Associated With Using Iot In Healthcare?
There are many benefits to IoT technology being used in healthcare settings. However, there are also IoT issues in healthcare. Healthcare facilities should be aware of their challenges when implementing IoT within healthcare settings.
Security
Hospitals and other medical facilities must adhere to stringent security standards, privacy requirements, and compliance guidelines. Healthcare networks, particularly large ones, often must manage security for multiple facilities and large data repositories.
Security problems can be made easier by using IoT in healthcare environments. One way to ensure the safety of staff and patients is through automated security programs. The primary protocol Nexos uses, Power over Ethernet (PoE), is one of the most secure technology options. It's an excellent option for hospitals with high-security standards.
Adoption
One of healthcare's most difficult IoT tasks is adopting a new IoT framework. It can take time to move a facility to a new system. The initial cost of installation and investment can also be prohibitive, particularly for rural healthcare facilities.
IoT is a great way to improve healthcare. The cost and time investment are not worth it. IoT healthcare ecosystems can provide better care, more efficient processes, cost savings, and many other benefits.
Integration
Integration can be difficult with so many possible types of devices and protocols. To maximize the impact of IoT in healthcare, devices must be seamlessly connected and easy to automate and control. If the devices are not connected to an IoT platform, IoT in healthcare isn't as effective.
IoT solutions can be used with multiple systems to connect them all in one platform. Users have a simplified experience and one dashboard to control all devices in the medical IoT ecosystem.
Data
Data collecting is one of the most challenging IoT problems in healthcare. Still, it also presents the biggest potential for advancement. IoT systems produce a lot of data. When introducing an IoT system into a healthcare environment, it is crucial to prioritize data collecting and consumption and debate the system's design.
Using an IoT ecosystem for actionable data reports is simple once you've discussed your priorities and available options. There are various ways that this kind of data might be applied to enhance patient experiences.
IoMT AI-powered future
Every day, Medical IoT processes a lot of clinical data. AI technology can analyze this data using complex algorithms to make conclusions and foresee medical diagnoses. This means that wearable devices can predict the future with greater accuracy using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Machine-learning technology can effectively detect various types of infections in blood and heart diseases. It can also expose certain types of cancer if a patient is unaware they have a condition. AI and ML technologies are designed to help patients and doctors take prompt action and prevent sudden and severe deterioration.
IoMT Latest Trends
Hospitals now have advanced capabilities, and remote health monitoring is continuously improving. Any medical equipment must be interconnected with the rest of the medical system. Some of these gadgets include ECG monitors, glucose monitors, and pulse oximeters. They offer 24-hour patient monitoring, support, and blood pressure monitoring.
Several of these medical gadgets will be linked to the Internet, enabling access to patient and physician health data anywhere in the world. Although there are many security risks, internet connectivity's potential benefits and real potential value still need to be fully realized. However, it is essential to continue this push as it is crucial to the system's overall functioning.
North America is the epicenter of IoMT device design. Individuals are more eager to take control of their health. This includes healthy food choices and monitoring their vitals. Others take preventive measures and are more aware of their health.
Conclusion
We will see IoT in healthcare grow, and IoMT devices keep evolving, so we will see more advanced healthcare facilities that offer better experiences, patient outcomes, and work environments for doctors. The medical sector is experiencing rapid growth in IoT applications.
We will have new insights into medical environments, patient care, treatment options, and more data with the help of more devices. Doctors can access data to discover trends and new aspects of medical care that were previously hard to comprehend and use. The impact of IoT on healthcare is only beginning. Many innovative IoMT solutions will soon be available.
