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5 Ways the Internet of Things Is Revolutionizing Healthcare

IoT means the Internet of Things, a new phrase for many people. There are five ways the IoT is revolutionizing healthcare. So, let’s look at how it might benefit humanity in the healthcare industry. 

First, it’s a system of interconnected gadgets that gather data in real-time. In other terms, IoT refers to a wristband that can track your everyday activities and the nature of your sleep in real-time. 

With the help of IoT technology, we’ve reinvented new possibilities, and it’s been an incredible experience. 

What is IoT in healthcare?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects—”things”—embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems through the internet. 

These devices range in complexity from common household items to sophisticated industrial instruments.

Most of the time, people are unaware that they are suffering from a serious illness until something goes wrong. But, even if doctors do not constantly check people, IoT can alert them to potential health risks. 

IoT can be highly useful for monitoring and assessing patients regularly in hospitals. Unfortunately, it is difficult to control illness due to population growth, but with the help of IoT, each patient may be treated as best as possible.

Why is it important?

IoT has emerged as one of the most important technologies of the twenty-first century in recent years. The physical and digital worlds collide, yet they work together.

Now that we can link common objects to the internet via embedded devices, including kitchen appliances, vehicles, thermostats, and baby monitors, seamless communication between people, processes, and things is conceivable.

Physical things can exchange and gather data with minimum human interaction thanks to low-cost computers, the cloud, big data, analytics, and mobile technologies. Digital systems can record, monitor, and alter each interaction between linked items in today’s hyperconnected environment. 

Five ways the Internet of Things is revolutionizing healthcare:

  • Precise Patient Tracking:

Precise Patient Tracking is a service that allows you to keep track of your patients. Both patients and physicians gain from smart gadgets and wearables. In addition, doctors are employing various medical applications to track their patient’s health issues. 

Meanwhile, patients might obtain additional recommendations and guidance as their treatment plan evolves. This type of monitoring is possible in a hospital setting and at home. In other circumstances, technology has saved lives.

  • Health Aids That Are Smarter:

Not all intelligent medical technologies are designed to save lives. Instead, some aim to simplify patients’ lives, particularly those with chronic illnesses or impairments.

Diabetes is one of the conditions that has prompted the creation of several smart healthcare devices. These linked gadgets assist people not just in monitoring their health but also in preventative healthcare.

  • Smart surgery:

Although Google Glass was a commercial flop, it did find a market for augmented reality (AR) eyewear for manufacturing employees. However, factories aren’t the only area where this technology is used. AR-assisted surgery is, in fact, already a reality.

Other businesses are developing augmented reality surgical equipment. For example, the Vizor, an AR headset developed by the business, will allow clinicians to examine a patient’s CT scan during operation.

  • Preventative healthcare and early detection: 

As more gadgets become linked, researchers will be able to assess patterns and hazards for patients. While it is still a work in progress, many businesses use data solutions to aid preventative healthcare.

Body logical is a prediction engine developed by PwC that analyses patient data to provide health insights into future health trends and concerns. The engine may then be used by consumer gadgets to show people the health consequences of their actions.

  • Healthcare robotic assistants:

Do you recall the science fiction situations we outlined earlier? This new technology is what you’d expect to see in futuristic fiction. Robotic healthcare aides, on the other hand, already exist.

Smart sensors are well-known for allowing the elderly to remain independent in their homes. However, the Multi-Purpose Eldercare Robot Assistant is taking it a step further. Although the technology is still in its infancy, a prototype was operational by the end of 2016.

Benefits of IoT:

  • Real-time Reporting and Monitoring: 

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) allows healthcare practitioners to communicate with patients via telecommunications. They can also utilize simple communication methods like cell phones and landlines.

The use of smart functionalities allows physicians to get notifications for sickness and symptom diagnoses.

It results in early diagnosis and treatment and ultimately saves patients’ lives in an emergency. In addition, it does not necessitate the patient’s presence on hospital grounds.

  • Improves patient comfort: 

Patients and their caregivers may find the surroundings of a hospital or other facility monotonous. Patients must have an optimistic attitude to heal quickly. It also aids the caregivers in maintaining their composure. 

As a result, the surroundings of the premises must be improved and kept warm and friendly for the patients. Patients and their visitors can feel as if they are at home by placing smart lighting and smart thermostats in their rooms and surroundings. 

IoT makes this feasible. Some hospitals have begun to use smart beds with sensors to monitor patients. It records their movements and provides notifications to the nurses.

  • Cost-cutting in healthcare: 

Healthcare and hospital prices are skyrocketing these days. Many classes cannot afford the costs of services such as diagnostics, treatments, operations, chronic sickness care, etc. Due to the epidemic and restricted patient visits.

Yes, insurance firms exist for this purpose. However, individuals remain hesitant due to their rejection/decline circumstances.

IoT can overcome this problem by implementing services like remote monitoring. In addition, IoT services are reasonably priced. It allows you to skip costly hospital visits and makes your treatments/tests more tailored and cost-effective.

  • Medical data accessibility: 

An electronic medical record (EMR) or Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a computerized version of a patient’s paper chart. It is the process of a provider handling all of a patient’s medical history electronically.

When the providers need to check them, they can do so at any time and from any location. This approach enables patients to easily schedule an appointment, walk-in, consult, and continue on their way to happiness.

  • Affordability and end-to-end connection:

With the support of healthcare mobility solutions and other innovative IoT technologies, next-generation healthcare facilities may automate hospital patient care workflow. 

Healthcare professionals may revolutionize the way they detect sickness and disorders in patients. As well as develop groundbreaking treatment methods in a variety of sectors.

As a result of the technology-driven setup, healthcare costs are reduced by reducing unnecessary visits and leveraging higher-quality resources. It also enhances resource allocation and planning.

Conclusion:

The Internet of Things opens up a world of possibilities for the healthcare industry. Patients, researchers, and healthcare practitioners will experience favorable improvements in treatment success.

General health as technology improves and professionals acquire control over big data and gadgets.

The Internet of Things in healthcare provides several potential advantages. intelyConnect contributes to the advancement of technology, providing us with strong and useful tools for improved health management.

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Davinci

Davinci is a research-based contributor for intely, providing content specifically in the Healthcare IT and Digital Health space.

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