What Is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
The Internet of Things is a rapidly growing network of connected physical objects, including devices and sensors, that are enabled to communicate with each other and exchange data over the internet.
Through real-time monitoring and analysis of collected data, these devices can be used in many ways such as home automation systems, medical device tracking, and monitoring, industrial automation, smart cities infrastructure management, and much more.
Healthcare IoT technology enables healthcare providers to better monitor our environment by creating an interconnected “web” of nodes collecting large amounts of information from different sources. This enables us to gain valuable insights into current trends, patterns, and anomalies that can lead to better decision-making in both commercial and consumer sectors.
IoT in healthcare can be used to monitor patient vital signs, track medication adherence, and even monitor environmental factors that can affect patient health.
The Benefits of IoT Platforms for Healthcare Providers
IoT platforms offer several benefits to care providers, including:
Real-Time Monitoring
Real-time monitoring with the Internet of Things in healthcare enables medical devices to be connected with each other, providing real-time data to healthcare professionals. This allows physicians and other medical personnel to gain a better understanding of their patient's health status, thus allowing them to take prompt action when needed.
With the help of IoT sensors and mobile devices, medical staff can monitor patient activities such as heart rate, breathing patterns, sleeping habits etc., and securely share the collected data with multiple doctors or specialists.
In addition, IoT-enabled telehealth applications allow remote consultations between doctors and patients which enhances convenience for those living in rural areas who lack access to quality care.
Improved Efficiency
IoT tech is improving the efficiency of healthcare services by helping medical professionals manage their workloads more efficiently. IoT-enabled remote monitoring and telehealth systems allow medical staff to better prioritize their tasks, while tools such as patient scheduling and appointment tracking can help streamline workflow.
Care providers are also able to automate certain administrative duties with the help of IoT-enabled processes, allowing them to focus on providing quality patient care instead. With improved analytics capabilities enabled by the collection of large volumes of data through IoT-enabled devices, providers can also make informed decisions about treatments and services which will result in more efficient use of resources.
Cost Savings
The use of the Internet of Things in healthcare enables significantly reduced costs due to improved efficiency and effectiveness. By using intelligent sensors and networked medical devices, medical providers can reduce operational costs with automated processes such as appointment scheduling, reducing the time spent on manual data entry.
Also, remote consultations enabled by telehealth can reduce the need for physical visits to a doctor’s office, thus further decreasing administrative costs. IoT-enabled analytics capabilities also help medical professionals make more informed decisions about treatments and services based on real-time data, resulting in lower costs overall.
Connected medical devices also help improve patient outcomes with early detection of critical conditions which reduces long-term healthcare costs for treatment.
Enhanced Patient Experience
The Internet of Things is revolutionizing healthcare by providing patients with an enhanced experience. IoT-enabled monitoring and healthcare telehealth systems enable doctors to provide better quality care from virtually anywhere, making it easier for patients to get access to the medical help they need.
Additionally, wearable technology such as fitness trackers can help give individuals more insight into their own health, allowing them to make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices.
Connected medical devices can provide personalized treatment plans that are tailored to a patient’s individual needs, resulting in improved outcomes and a greater sense of well-being. The use of artificial intelligence also enables care providers to quickly diagnose and treat conditions with accuracy and precision, leading to a faster recovery time for patients.
Examples of IoT in the Healthcare Industry
The number of IoT devices we'll see in the future is virtually endless, but there are many devices on the market now that are taking advantage of non-wired monitoring and device data.
Smart Electronic Syringe
Smart electronic syringes are internet-enabled medical devices that allow healthcare professionals to store, track and access detailed information about patient doses, as well as the date and time of injection. The syringes can also detect if an incorrect dose is inserted and alert healthcare personnel when necessary.
Vital Sign Monitors
Internet-enabled vital sign monitors enable real-time monitoring of patient health metrics such as heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, temperature, and blood pressure. These monitors are essential for care providers who need to quickly act on critical changes in a patient's condition.
Remote Surgical Robots
Remote surgical robots have allowed surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy and precision from long distances away from the operating room. Surgeons can use special cameras connected to the robot to gain a better view of the surgical site and operate with more control than ever before.
Smart Insulin Pens
Smart insulin pens combine traditional insulin delivery technology with modern IoT capabilities. These pens allow for real-time tracking of insulin dosage and glucose levels which can help patients manage their diabetes more effectively than ever before.
Wireless Medical Implants
Wireless medical implants are tiny devices that are inserted into a person’s body that can automatically send crucial information about their health directly to attending physicians in real time. These implants provide doctors with advanced data about the person’s health that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to collect without surgery or other invasive measures.
What to Look For in an IoT Platform
Providers in the healthcare sector are increasingly relying on IoT (Internet of Things) technologies to improve patient outcomes, streamline processes, and cut costs. IoT platforms can collect, monitor, and analyze data from various sources, such as wearable devices, medical equipment, and electronic health records, to provide real-time insights and enable predictive maintenance.
However, not all healthcare IoT platforms are created equal. It's essential to choose a platform that meets your specific needs and requirements. In this post, we'll outline the key considerations and features to look for when evaluating a healthcare IoT platform.
Scalability and Flexibility
- Choose a platform that can scale as your needs grow and evolve over time.
- Look for a flexible platform that can integrate with your existing systems and workflows.
- Consider whether the platform can support a variety of devices and protocols.
Interoperability and Integration
- Ensure that the platform is interoperable with different types of devices, software, and data standards.
- Look for a platform that can seamlessly integrate with your EHR (Electronic Health Record) system.
- Consider whether the platform supports industry standards such as FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) and HL7 (Health Level Seven International).
Data Security and Privacy
- Security and privacy are paramount when it comes to healthcare data. Ensure that the platform has robust security features, such as data encryption and access controls.
- Look for a platform that complies with industry regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). If data is going through a HIPAA-compliant website or patient portal, security must also be bolstered there.
- Consider whether the platform has a transparent privacy policy and allows patients to control their own data.
Real-time Analytics and Machine Learning
- Real-time analytics can provide valuable insights into patient care and operations. Look for a platform that can collect and analyze data in real time.
- Machine learning can help identify patterns and predict outcomes. Look for a platform that incorporates machine learning capabilities.
- Consider whether the platform can generate customizable reports and visualizations.
Remote Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance
- Remote monitoring can improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions. Look for a platform that can support the monitoring of patients and medical devices.
- Predictive maintenance can help prevent equipment failures and improve uptime. Look for a platform that incorporates predictive maintenance features.
- Consider whether the platform can provide alerts and notifications in real time.
The IoT Platform Company Itself
- Evaluate the reputation, stability, and track record of the IoT platform developer before trusting the core of your product.
- Look for a company with a strong app and partner ecosystem for optionality and expansion.
- Select a provider that gives you programmatic access to as much of their functionality as possible.
- Aligning with a vendor who understands your industry will be beneficial for data handling, analytics, and even compliance with industry regulations.
- Professional services or solutions departments are essential when adopting a new platform. Ensure they can train your team, help with architecture development, and guide you through proof of concept.