Top 5 Trends and Applications of IoT in Healthcare

The Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare refers to the network of interconnected devices, sensors, and software systems designed to collect, share, and analyze data in real time. These devices range from wearable fitness trackers to medical equipment like remote patient monitoring systems. IoT in healthcare can enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and enable data-driven decision-making. The global market size of IoT in healthcare is expected to grow by around 368.06 billion by 2034. This is a huge investment that is going to bring about massive opportunities in the domain.

IoT in healthcare
IoT in healthcare (Image credits: www.freepik.com)

Sensors

IoT in healthcare utilizes sensors to sense and measure data from temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, glucose level, etc. These can be easily installed into medical equipment, wearables, and even inside the physical body. Sensors including Electrocardiograms, Pulse Oximeter, Blood Pressure, and Respiratory are commonly used for treating various clinical applications.

Communications

Communication channels allow data transfer between IoT devices and healthcare professionals. Mediums such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular
networks help establish a smooth network between patients, healthcare providers,
and medical equipment. Bluetooth is used in wearable health gadgets enabling
real-time monitoring and data transmission. Wi-Fi is necessary for data sharing (electronic health records and medical images) within hospital premises. Cellular networks, 4 G and 5 G allow remote patient monitoring and telemedicine, ensuring the health records of patients are accessible to healthcare providers regardless of their location. These channels promote real-time communication, assist in timely decision-making, and improve patient health.

Cloud

Cloud provides media for keeping, managing, and researching medical data produced by IoT devices. It is an easy and affordable place to process big data transforming how people use and access computing resources. Cloud computing can secure electronic health records, making it easier for medical professionals to access and share patient data across different systems. It can also collect and study the data from wearable and other medical IoT devices to detect and treat diseases. Medical professionals can make more informed decisions and improve health outcomes by getting real-time insights into patient health.

Cloud computing (Image credits: www.freepik.com)

Artificial Intelligence

AI algorithms are powerful ways to determine health patterns and make personalized recommendations. Machine learning (ML) can suggest customized treatment plans for each patient. ML models can run through the historical data, predict diseases, and suggest preventive measures. It can also analyze sleep patterns, activity rates, and relevant matrices. Continuous monitoring can help doctors get early warning of potential health threats enabling timely interventions. Additionally, it can prepare customized treatment plans by analyzing patient habits, medical history, and lifestyles.

Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence

Blockchain

Blockchain integrated with IoT in healthcare can facilitate data safety and data sharing. As blockchain is decentralized, it can guard patient’s data against unethical hacking, unauthorized access, and tampering. It keeps each transaction cryptographically secure through its distributed ledger system. Furthermore, it promotes transparency and accountability in data management. This process guides medical professionals to make critical decisions. Smart contracts, a self-executing code on the blockchain, ensure compliance with privacy regulations.

Blockchain
Blockchain

IoT applications in healthcare

Remote monitoring


IoT in healthcare is a transformative approach that establishes a new standard, allowing a smooth connection between portable physiological monitoring devices and advanced expert systems. By leveraging IoT, healthcare systems enhance diagnostic accuracy, responsiveness, and reliability.

A recent study introduces a remote patient monitoring system that incorporates IoT and cloud computing to provide continuous and accurate health tracking, early anomaly detection, and real-time alerts. The system is designed for seamless data visualization, storage, and remote monitoring, proving its effectiveness in real-time biological parameter measurement and reliable data transmission.

Remote monitoring: IoT in healthcare
Remote monitoring: IoT in healthcare (Image credits: www.freepik.com)

Machine Learning (ML)-based algorithms refine remote patient surveillance by optimizing data processing, improving healthcare service efficiency, and enabling advanced data-driven decision-making.

Another study introduces a cloud-connected electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system that bridges the communication gap between patients and healthcare providers. This system facilitates remote monitoring, detailed medical assessments, and automatic alerting mechanisms, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.

These advancements collectively underscore the transformative potential of IoT in remote health monitoring, offering cutting-edge solutions for patient care, data security, and medical efficiency.

Locating systems

Real-time locating systems (RTLS) are providing improved efficiency, safety, and resource management. These systems enable medical professionals to quickly pinpoint patient locations during emergencies, ensuring rapid response times and reducing the risk of harm. Beyond patient tracking, RTLS also facilitates the real-time monitoring of critical healthcare resources such as medical equipment, medications, and supplies, streamlining operations and preventing inventory shortages or delays in patient care.

A wearable device system has been developed for individuals susceptible to getting lost, such as Alzheimer’s patients. This device supports indoor and outdoor location tracking, step detection, and unusual alerts. Data is accessed through a web application, providing caregivers real-time insights, and improving patient independence, and their safety.

Real-time locating systems
Real-time locating systems (Image credits: www.freepik.com)

Additionally, an IoT-based system tracks vital health parameters, transmitting real-time data to cloud storage and displaying it through a mobile application. This facilitates timely medical decision-making by alerting practitioners to abnormal values. A similar system was effectively implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic for patient health monitoring.

Another RTLS application involves an IoT-enabled embedded device integrated with healthcare systems to monitor waste levels in public bins. This technology ensures timely waste disposal, mitigating the risk of unsanitary conditions. Furthermore, the system holds potential for managing biomedical waste in hospitals. This approach improves infection control practices and safeguards both healthcare workers and patients.

Personalized medicine

In modern healthcare, personalized medicine can customize treatments to unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors of patients. This innovative methodology enhances treatment effectiveness, minimizes adverse reactions, and offers more precise healthcare solutions.

Applications of IoT in the Healthcare Industry

  1. Remote Health Monitoring: IoT-powered devices allow continuous tracking of patients’ vital signs, enabling early detection of potential health issues. For example, wearable devices like smartwatches can monitor heart rates and oxygen levels.
  2. Smart Hospitals: IoT helps hospitals implement smart systems to monitor bed occupancy, streamline workflows, and track critical assets like ventilators and wheelchairs. The global smart hospitals market size is expected to reach 296.87 billion by 2034.
Smart hospitals
Smart hospitals (Image credits: www.freepik.com)
  1. Medication Management: IoT-enabled devices can remind patients to take their medication on time and ensure proper dosages, reducing human error.
  2. Predictive Maintenance: IoT sensors in medical equipment can predict and prevent failures, ensuring seamless operation in critical situations.

Transforming the Healthcare Sector with IoT

IoT in healthcare introduces the following advancements:

  • Interoperability: IoT systems enable seamless communication between various healthcare devices and platforms, creating a cohesive care ecosystem.
  • Patient-Centric Care: IoT facilitates personalized treatment plans based on real-time data and patient-specific needs.
  • Enhanced Diagnostics: IoT devices improve diagnostic accuracy by providing comprehensive and continuous health data.

The Internet of Things in Medical Practices

Medical practices have greatly benefited from IoT in several ways:

  • Telemedicine Support: IoT bridges the gap between doctors and patients by enabling virtual consultations and remote diagnostics.
  • Surgical Assistance: IoT-powered robotic systems assist surgeons in performing complex procedures with greater precision.
  • Chronic Disease Management: IoT devices help manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension through constant monitoring and timely alerts.

The integration of IoT in healthcare industry has laid the foundation for a more efficient, patient-centered, and technology-driven approach to medical care.

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

The IoMT is a specialized subset of IoT focused on connected medical devices and applications that support healthcare services. IoMT is rapidly gaining traction as it bridges the gap between technology and healthcare to provide more precise and personalized medical solutions.

What is the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)?

IoMT refers to the ecosystem of medical devices, sensors, and systems interconnected through the internet, allowing smooth data exchange and communication.

How IoMT is Shaping Modern Medicine

  1. Remote Patient Care: IoMT devices allow medical professionals to monitor patients’ conditions from anywhere, ensuring timely interventions.
  2. Connected Diagnostics: Diagnostic devices equipped with IoMT technology provide instant results and share data directly with healthcare providers, reducing wait times and improving accuracy.
  3. Emergency Response: IoMT-enabled devices can alert emergency services in critical situations, such as detecting abnormal heart rates or falls.
  4. Drug Delivery Systems: IoMT includes smart drug delivery devices that release medication in controlled doses, improving treatment adherence.

Case Studies of IoMT in Action

  1. Smart Inhalers for Asthma Management: IoMT-enabled inhalers track usage and remind patients to take their medication, helping manage asthma effectively.
  2. Implantable Cardiac Devices: Devices like pacemakers and defibrillators use IoMT to send real-time data to doctors, enabling proactive care.
  3. Wearable ECG Monitors: Portable ECG monitors provide continuous heart health monitoring and alert users of irregularities.

The Internet of Medical Things is transforming the healthcare industry by making medical care more accessible, efficient, and personalized.

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