By Pritika Singh
Traditionally, the comunication way between a patient and a doctor have been physical visits or, on occasion, by telephone. However, with the advent of technology and digitization, various modes of communication such as video consultations and automatic data collection has become possible, making interactions smooth and seamless. One such technology is the Internet of Things (internet of things), which has been rapidly transforming various industries, and the health industry is not an exception.
Before delving into how internet of things is transforming the healthcare sector, let’s first understand what is IoT. IoT refers to the network of interconnected devices, gadgets, and other physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, allowing them to collect and exchange data. IoT uses the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and offers advanced solutions.
In the healthcare sector, IoT is contributing in various ways, resulting in affordable treatments in less time. For example, data captured by IoT-enabled healthcare devices is used for better research and evidence in a patient’s treatment, from monitoring the patient’s health to treatment, as well as improving the operational efficiency of healthcare providers. hospitals and allow more personalized and efficient care. It has made it easier for doctors to continuously monitor the health and symptoms of patients without running any kind of tests.
Additionally, IoT devices have enabled healthcare providers to remotely monitor the health conditions of patients in real time, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. IoT healthcare devices such as wearables and biosensors help track a patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, and send that data to healthcare providers for your analysis. The data collected helps healthcare providers make more informed decisions and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
IoT then generates vast amounts of data that can be used to analyze and identify trends and patterns to treat various diseases. Here, big data analytics can help the healthcare sector identify risk factors for various diseases, track the spread of disease, and develop personalized treatment plans for patients. IoT devices can further help healthcare providers identify patients who are at risk of developing certain conditions or complications through predictive analytics. For example, an IoT device that tracks a patient’s heart rate and blood pressure can help identify patients who are at risk of developing hypertension or heart disease. Health care providers can intervene early and provide appropriate treatment to prevent the condition from developing. IoT also effectively handles medication management, which is essential for patients with chronic conditions that require frequent medication changes. IoT healthcare devices can remind patients to take their medications at the correct time and dosage through smart pill bottles and medication dispensers. These devices also help improve the patient experience by providing personalized care. For example, wearable devices can track a patient’s activity levels, sleep patterns, and stress levels. Healthcare providers can use this data to provide personalized treatment plans and recommendations that are tailored to individual patient needs.
Aside from patient care, there is another important aspect of the healthcare sector, which is healthcare operations. IoT devices help streamline healthcare operations, reducing costs and improving efficiency. For example, IoT devices can track the location of medical equipment and supplies, helping healthcare providers quickly and easily locate them when needed. Such devices can further automate routine tasks such as patient registration, reducing patient wait times.
Lastly, with all the contributions that IoT brings, it is indeed a game changer in the health industry, providing healthcare providers with real-time data to help improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and enhance the patient experience. As IoT technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in healthcare that will help improve the lives of patients around the world.
Pritika Singh, Managing Director, Prayag Hospitals Cluster
(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by ETHealthworld. ETHealthworld.com shall not be liable for any damage caused to any person or organization directly or indirectly.)
