Revolutionizing Healthcare with the Applications of Internet of Things
The healthcare industry has always been on the front lines of technology adoption, from the earliest days of x-ray machines and blood glucose monitors to sophisticated data analytics and virtual care. Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming healthcare in ways that were barely imaginable just a few years ago.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
At its simplest, IoT is a network of physical devices that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to collect and exchange data. These devices can be anything from wearable fitness trackers and home blood pressure monitors to hospital room sensors and drug-delivery pumps. By connecting these devices to the internet and to each other, healthcare providers can gather and analyze real-time data on everything from patient vital signs and medication adherence to environmental conditions and equipment performance.
How IoT is Revolutionizing Healthcare
IoT has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in numerous ways, including:
Predictive Analytics
By collecting and analyzing patient data in real-time, healthcare providers can use predictive analytics to identify patients who are at risk of developing certain conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. This can help providers intervene early with targeted interventions, such as lifestyle coaching or medication adjustments, to prevent the onset of these conditions.
Remote Monitoring
IoT devices such as wearables and home monitoring systems can enable healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients’ health and well-being. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, who need regular check-ins and monitoring to manage their conditions effectively. Remote monitoring can also reduce the need for in-person visits, freeing up healthcare resources and providing a more convenient experience for patients.
Optimized Treatment
IoT can help healthcare providers optimize treatments for individual patients by collecting data on their condition, response to medication, and other factors. This can help providers tailor treatments specifically to each patient’s needs, improving the effectiveness of treatments and reducing potential side effects.
IoT in Action: Case Studies
Numerous organizations are already leveraging IoT to revolutionize healthcare. Here are just a few examples:
Stanford Children’s Health
Stanford Children’s Health is using IoT to monitor premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The hospital uses sensors and cameras to monitor infants’ vital signs, movements, and even their facial expressions. Doctors and nurses receive real-time alerts when an infant’s condition changes, allowing them to intervene earlier and potentially prevent adverse outcomes.
Klick Health
Klick Health, a digital healthcare agency, created “Re-Engineered Hospital Rooms” (REHR) to optimize patient care using IoT devices. The rooms use sensors and smart devices to monitor patients’ vital signs, enable remote consultations with doctors and other specialists, and even control lighting and climate settings to create a more comfortable environment for patients.
Takeda Pharmaceutical
Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda is using IoT to develop personalized treatments for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The company is collecting data from patients’ wearable devices, along with other electronic health records, to identify patterns and insights that could help develop more effective treatments for the condition.
Conclusion
IoT is transforming healthcare by providing a wealth of real-time data that can be used to optimize patient care, reduce costs, and improve outcomes. With continued innovation in IoT technologies and the growing adoption of these devices in healthcare settings, the possibilities for revolutionizing healthcare are virtually unlimited.
