Introduction:
The convergence of technology and healthcare has ushered in groundbreaking innovations, reshaping medical practices and patient care. Among these advancements, the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) stands out as a transformative force in the medical field. With its interconnected network of devices and sensors, IoT is revolutionising healthcare delivery, enhancing patient outcomes, and improving operational efficiency.
How IoT Helps in Healthcare — Process:
Here is the detailed workflow of IoT healthcare:
A sensor collects data from a patient, doctor or nurse inputs data.
AI-driven algorithms like Machine Learning (ML) are used to analyse the collected data.
The device decides whether to act or send the information to the cloud.
Doctors or health practitioners can make actionable and informed decisions based on the data provided by IoT healthcare solutions.
Enhanced Patient Monitoring:
Traditionally, patient monitoring relied on periodic check-ups and manual recording of vital signs. However, IoT enables continuous real-time monitoring, both in hospitals and remotely. Wearable devices embedded with sensors track vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, providing clinicians with valuable data for timely interventions. IoT-enabled monitoring devices offer personalised care plans and early detection of health deterioration, leading to improved outcomes and reduced hospitalisations.
Smart Medical Devices:
IoT has introduced a new era of smart medical devices that collect, analyze, and transmit data autonomously. From smart insulin pumps to connected inhalers, these devices empower patients to manage their health effectively. IoT-enabled medical devices facilitate remote consultations, allowing patients to receive timely medical advice from their homes, particularly beneficial for those with mobility constraints.
IoT has also introduced several wearables & devices which has made the lives of patients comfortable. These devices are as follows.
Hearables:
Hearables are new-age hearing aids which have completely transformed the way people who suffered hearing loss interact with the world.
Nowadays, hearables are compatible with Bluetooth which syncs your smartphone with it. It allows you to filter, equalize and add layered features to real-world sounds.
Ingestible Sensors:
Ingestible sensors are genuinely a modern-science marvel. These are pill-sized sensors which monitor the medication in our body and warn us if it detects any irregularities in our bodies.
These sensors can be a boon for a diabetic patient as would help in curbing symptoms and provide an early warning for critical health issues.
Computer Vision Technology:
Computer vision technology along with AI has given rise to drone technology which aims to mimic visual perception and hence decision-making based on it. Drones use computer vision technology to detect obstacles and to navigate around them. This technology can also be used for visually impaired people to navigate efficiently.
Healthcare Charting:
IoT devices such as Audemix reduce much manual work which a doctor must do during patient charting. It is powered by voice commands and captures the patient’s data. It makes the patient’s data readily accessible for review. It saves around doctors’ work by 15 hours per week.
Insulin Pens and Smart CGM:
These devices are used for the real-time monitoring of blood glucose levels and data sharing over a dedicated mobile app. Patients with diabetes can use these devices to track their glucose levels and even send this data to their doctor and the relevant medical staff.
Smart Video Pills:
A smart pill travels through a patient’s intestinal tract to take its clear-cut picture. It can then send those pictures to a wearable device that relates to dedicated medical applications. Smart pills are also helpful to visualize the gastrointestinal tract and colon remotely.
Augmented surgery or Realistic 3D visualisation:
AR-based apps can improve patient safety during surgery by providing surgeons with real-time data on the patient’s vitals, procedure details, equipment locations, and other pertinent information. AR-based virtual interfaces enable doctors to visualise the locations of patients’ organs as well as diseases, tumours, or other abnormalities. This, in turn, expedites procedures while maintaining patient safety and improving the doctor’s cognitive conscience. During a TAVI heart procedure, for example, surgeons require a large amount of data and real-time information from sensors such as instant X-rays and 3D U/S scans. AR-based apps can provide them with quick access to such vital data sets.
Simulating practical medical training:
AR and other XR technologies can be used to provide interactive and immersive education to patients who are fearful or sceptical. Doctors and healthcare professionals can use VR and AR not only to train tech interns but also to educate patients during consultation sessions. This will also allow doctors to instil confidence and trust in their patients, allowing them to make more informed decisions.
Accurate risk and disease diagnosis:
AR-based applications can assist doctors in detecting, avoiding, and treating a variety of diseases with a better prognosis. It can visualise information collected from various sensors into a unified interface to determine specific causes of a patient’s condition. It can also allow doctors to monitor veins, lesions, organs, and other structures without invasive procedures. EyeDecide is one such medical app that simulates the impact of specific conditions on a person’s vision using the camera display.
Optimized Healthcare Operations:
Beyond patient care, IoT optimizes healthcare operations by streamlining workflows and reducing costs. Hospital administrators leverage IoT for inventory management, asset tracking, and predictive maintenance of medical equipment. IoT-powered analytics provide valuable insights, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and proactive interventions. By automating tasks and optimising resource allocation, healthcare institutions enhance overall quality and satisfaction.
Applications of IoT in Healthcare:
The rise of IoT is exciting for everybody due to its different scope of use in various sectors.
In Healthcare it has several applications. Here are some remarkable IoT applications in healthcare:
Reducing emergency room wait time by sending critical app
Tracking patients, hospital staff, and inventory
Enhancing drug management
Ensuring the availability of critical hardware
Scope: The IoT healthcare market is projected to grow from $128 billion in 2023 to $289 billion by 2028. That’s a growth rate of almost 18% per year!
Future Of IOT:
As IoT evolves, its impact on healthcare is poised for exponential growth. From remote patient monitoring to personalized medicine, IoT opens doors for innovative solutions. Collaboration among stakeholders is key to realising IoT’s full potential in healthcare.
Conclusion:
IoT represents a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, offering unprecedented opportunities to improve patient care and operational efficiency. By leveraging interconnected devices and advanced analytics, healthcare providers can deliver personalised, proactive, and cost-effective solutions. Despite challenges, embracing IoT can revolutionise healthcare and create a healthier, more connected world.
