IoT in HealthCare

The healthcare industry has been advancing at an unimaginable pace, with new inventions popping up every year. One of the latest trends in the industry is the incorporation of IoT devices in the healthcare sector.

Devices like smart health monitors, fitness bands, and insulin pens  are examples of smart devices which allow patients to be more prepared for some scenarios. Let’s explore more about IoT in healthcare, its applications, roles, and benefits. 

Key Applications of IoT in Healthcare

a. Remote Patient Monitoring

This is the most prevalent application of IoT in healthcare; it is used to collect and monitor health metrics like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature of patients who are not physically present in the hospital. This data can be shared with software or an application, where a healthcare professional can later check it. The data can be analysed by AI or algorithms to alert health professionals or patients in case of any anomalies.

These devices can be highly useful to monitor elderly people, as some fitness trackers even have fall detection and alerts, which can come in very handy and help provide timely assistance.

b. Smart Medical Devices

There are several devices that have made processes simpler for doctors and pain-free for patients. Some of these important inventions are edible sensors, which are miniscule sensors that can be ingested, travel through the digestive tract, and capture and share valuable data about the internal conditions of patients. This data is invaluable in diagnosing and treating patients, especially in cases of gastrointestinal disorders and other internal ailments.

c. Hospital Management

IoT devices can help streamline and seamlessly monitor the management of hospitals. The sensors can be used to monitor and control in real time the temperature and humidity of fridges, storerooms for  medicines, and chemicals. It can also be used to track oxygen levels and the usage of these resources. The sensors can be used to track the location of important equipment in real time.

Another major breakthrough is moodables, which are health trackers that go way beyond counting footsteps and reading your heart rate. These devices utilise sensors and algorithms to assess the mood, stress levels, and even the sleep quality of the wearer. These devices aim to track and monitor our mental and emotional well-being. 

Benefits of IoT in Healthcare

Simultaneous reporting and monitoring

IoT enables medical professionals to monitor patient health in real time, providing continuous updates on vital signs and other important health metrics. This capability can help avoid emergencies, such as cardiac arrest and heart failures, by allowing for immediate intervention when necessary. With real-time monitoring, healthcare providers can detect anomalies early, ensuring timely and potentially life-saving responses.

End-to-end connectivity and affordability

IoT creates a seamless connection between patients, healthcare providers, and medical devices. This end-to-end connectivity enhances communication and data sharing, making it easier to coordinate care and ensure that everyone involved has access to the most up-to-date information. 

Additionally, IoT can help reduce healthcare costs by improving efficiency and minimising the need for in-person visits, thus making healthcare more affordable and accessible for patients.

Tracking and Analysis

IoT devices collect vast amounts of data that can be used for tracking and analysis of patient health over time. This data can help healthcare providers identify patterns and make informed decisions about their treatment. Advanced analytics can also predict potential health issues before they become serious, allowing for preventative care and better management of chronic conditions. By leveraging the power of IoT for tracking and analysis, healthcare systems can move towards more proactive and personalised patient care.

Challenges of IoT in Healthcare

Data security and privacy

The biggest threat IoT faces is data security and privacy concerns, especially considering the multiple connected devices. Also, many IoT devices lack security requirements and security protocols. 

All these factors make the data an easy target for cyberattacks, which would put at risk the sensitive details of patients, doctors, and the hospital, which can be misused. 

Integrating Multiple Devices

Another setback the IoT in the healthcare industry faces is integrating multiple devices, as these manufacturers haven’t reached an agreement regarding the communication protocols and standards.

For IoT to be seamlessly integrated, a healthcare facility will have to make sure all its equipment is from the same manufacturer or has similar communication protocols. But this is not possible, and this non-uniformity of the connected device’s protocols slows down the whole process and reduces the scope of the scalability of IoT in healthcare.

Cost

Considering how recent most of this technology is, it’s no surprise that implementing IoT in healthcare is expensive. The majority of these expenses can be attributed to the purchase and maintenance of advanced devices and infrastructure. The initial investment for IoT systems, including sensors, network hardware, and data management solutions, can be substantial. Additionally, there are ongoing costs for software updates, cybersecurity measures, and staff training. 

The IoT has unlimited potential, and to tap into this potential, it is essential for hospitals and healthcare individuals to fully embrace the IoT, its benefits, and find ways to overcome its challenges. The IoT in the healthcare industry reached a valuation of $93.82 billion in 2023, and this number is only expected to rise in the upcoming years.